Bundesliga Off to a Thrilling Start as Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach Play Out a Five-Goal Thriller

The 2024/25 Bundesliga season has lift-off! After almost three months without any German top-flight action, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach played out a five-goal thriller in the Bundesliga opener yesterday.

Bayer Leverkusen came into this game on the back of an “invincible” season in which they accumulated 90 points, toppling Bayern Munich off their perch in the process. Naturally, many fans considered Bayer the favorites over a Gladbach side, who finished last season in 14th spot with just 34 points. Leverkusen came out of the gates looking much sharper than their opponents, and it didn’t take long for them to make their mark. Just 12 minutes in, former Die Fohlen player Granit Xhaka unleashed a stunning 30-yard volley that soared past Jonas Omlin’s outstretched arms. Xhaka’s goal is already a contender for the Goal of the Season award. 

In the 38th minute, Die Werkself took a commanding lead as Florian Wirtz reacted the quickest from a deflected shot. But Gladbach weren’t down and out. In fact, Leverkusen can thank their lucky stars, as a 44th-minute Tim Kleindienst goal was overturned by VAR due to a foul during the build-up. However, Gladbach came out in the second half with renewed verve to equalize. And in the 59th minute, Nico Elvedi handed Die Fohlen a lifeline, as he tapped in Gladbach’s first goal of the night. Gladbach began to gain more confidence as the second half wore on, and in the 85th minute, Kleindienst scored a well-deserved equalizer.  

Gladbach’s incredible retort showed that this season could be very different than the last one. Roared on by the raucous support at Borussia Park, Die Fohlen defended resolutely. However, in typical Leverkusen fashion, Wirtz secured the win with virtually the last kick of the game. But the goal came in contentious circumstances. In the final moments of the game, Ko Itakura’s tackle on Amine Adli in the box set off a swift counter-attack for Die Fohlen. However, Tomas Cvanvara squandered the chance, sending his shot soaring over the bar. 

But even if Cvanvara had found the net, it wouldn’t have counted. After a lengthy VAR review, Itakura was ruled to have fouled Adli, awarding Die Werkself a crucial penalty. Florian Wirtz stepped up to take the spot-kick. Although Jonas Omlin managed to save the initial effort, Wirtz quickly followed up with a tap-in, sealing Leverkusen’s first win of the season in dramatic fashion. 

In the final moments of the game, Ko Itakura’s tackle on Amine Adli in the box set off a swift counter-attack for Die Fohlen. However, Tomas Cvanvara squandered the chance, sending his shot soaring over the bar. But even if Cvanvara had found the net, it wouldn’t have counted. After a lengthy VAR review, Itakura was ruled to have fouled Adli, awarding Die Werkself a crucial penalty. Florian Wirtz stepped up to take the spot-kick. Although Jonas Omlin managed to save the initial effort, Wirtz quickly followed up with a tap-in, sealing Leverkusen’s first win of the season in dramatic fashion. The once-roaring Borussia Park fell into a stunned silence. But that’s the nature of football. 

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Next Games 

After their thrilling 3-2 win against Gladbach, Bayer Leverkusen will face Carl Zeiss Jena in the first round of DFB Pokal. The game will take place on 28th August 2024 (Wednesday). The match will kick off at 9:30 PM (Indian Standard Time).    

Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach will travel to Bochum to face VFL Bochum on 31st August 2024 (Saturday). The match will kick off at 7:00 PM (Indian Standard Time). 

Also Read: 3 Talking Points Ahead of the 2024/25 Bundesliga Season