Bayer Leverkusen snatch dramatic draw after late drama in Copenhagen

New Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand saw his return to Denmark deliver a dramatic stoppage-time 2-2 draw with Copenhagen at Parken Stadium.

After Erik ten Hag had been sacked following just three competitive games in charge, Hjulmand returned to club management in a first job since stepping down from the helm of his native Denmark after Euro 2024.

Copenhagen, having come through the qualifying play-offs, took an early lead in the ninth minute through Jordan Larsson.

Leverkusen equalised late on when Alejandro Grimaldo crashed in a 25-yard free-kick – only for Copenhagen substitute Robert to nod the hosts back in front with just three minutes left.

The Bundesliga side, though, secured a point in stoppage time through an own goal from Copenhagen defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos.

Larsson had volleyed in from Elias Achouri’s cross out on the left to give the hosts an early foothold.

Leverkusen went close to an equaliser in the 21st minute when Grimaldo curled a 20-yard free-kick over the crossbar.

Copenhagen almost doubled their lead just before the break.

Mohamed Elyounoussi’s cross from the right deflected up off Ezequiel Fernandez and dropped down onto the top of the crossbar before Youssoufa Moukoko saw his snapshot saved at point-blank range by Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Dutch international Flekken, a summer signing from Brentford, was called into action again early in the second half to hold a low shot from Larsson.

Leverkusen struck the woodwork just after the hour when Eliesse Ben Seghir curled an effort from the right edge of the penalty box against the outside of the far post.

Both goalkeepers were then called into action again when first Leverkusen substitute Claudio Echeverri saw his angled strike blocked by Dominik Kotarski before Flekken spread himself to save Rodrigo Huescas’ drive at the near post.

Leverkusen were level with nine minutes left when Grimaldo fired a superb 25-yard free-kick up over the wall and into the top right corner.

Copenhagen thought they had snatched all three points when Brazilian forward Robert headed in a cross from Huescas following a swift counter attack.

There was, though, more late drama as Leverkusen equalised in added time when Copenhagen defender Hatzidiakos deflected a low cross from Echeverri into his own net.