The home side got off to a better start, taking the lead through Jordan Larsson on nine minutes. The Werkself responded with plenty of possession and the first efforts on goal. Youssoufa Moukoko also had a good chance for FC Copenhagen towards the end of the first half, but a strong reflex save by Mark Flekken kept the shot out (44'). Leverkusen went into half-time 1-0 down. And the home side again made the better start to the second 45. However, with fresh legs on the pitch, a tactical switch and as the game progressed, the Werkself turned up the heat. Eventually it was Alejandro Grimaldo who, in his typical style, put a free kick straight into the net (82'). But the game was far from over! Four minutes after the equaliser, Copenhagen's Robert replied with a header to make it 2-1 to the hosts (86'). The Werkself were behind again. But not for long this time: A shot from Claudio Echeverri was deflected into his own net by Pantelis Hatzidiakos - 2-2 (90+1’). That was the final scoreline.
Head coach Kasper Hjulmand said at the post-match press conference: "We're basically happy with the point and are now looking ahead as we carry straight on. We are still in a learning process with this group of many new players. We showed great mentality today after going behind twice."
For his part, Ibrahim Maza said: "We didn't challenge well at the start, but then pulled everything out in the end. We have to be happy about that now and we want to take this energy forward with us." Jarell Quansah added: "First of all, I'd like to say the fans were outstanding. We were behind twice and they cheered us on for the whole 90 minutes. That's exactly what we need - especially away from home. We showed we can come back. The cohesion and team harmony are getting better and better."
The kicker recognised the Werkself had "some difficulties" at the start against "strong Danes". "As the game progressed, Leverkusen gradually came into the game a little better. End-to-end action developed in a wild second half," the newspaper added. Bild reported an "entertaining game", but noted: "The Werkself can count themselves lucky not to have to return home without a point. Copenhagen created several great chances through many determined transition moments."
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reported: "Kasper Hjulmand's return to his Danish home at Parken Stadium was, as expected, emotional - especially in the final phase of the match as the new Bayer 04 coach's emotions went in all directions."
Several Bayer 04 players made their debuts against FC Copenhagen: While Mark Flekken, Ezequiel Fernández, Ibrahim Maza, Claudio Echeverri, Ernest Poku and Christian Kofane were playing in the UCL for the first time, Eliesse Ben Seghir made his first start since his move to Bayer 04. Flekken on his debut: "Playing in the Champions League is something really nice. Of course, my debut would have been taken to another level if we’d have won the game." Maza declared: "There was a very good atmosphere and my debut was a dream come true."
Alejandro Grimaldo, for his part, also had a special moment to look back on with his free-kick goal: His past six goals for Leverkusen have all come from set pieces - five of them from direct free-kicks and one from a penalty. In total, the Spaniard has now scored seven direct free-kick goals since his Bayer 04 debut in August 2023 - no other player in the five major leagues has scored more than five across all competitions (Julián Alvarez/Atlético Madrid).
The Werkself clearly had the upper hand in terms of possession: With a 63.6 per cent share of the game, the Black and Reds dominated that stat, as they did in the number of passes (645 to 362). Leverkusen also had the better passing completion rate (89.1 to 79.3 per cent) and also took more shots on goal (15 to 12). The number of duels won was evenly balanced (50 per cent).
The Werkself continue their Bundesliga campaign with a home match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. The game at the BayArena on matchday 4 kicks off at 17:30 CEST on Sunday, 21 September.
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
Show more
Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
Show more
Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.
Show more
The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
Show more
The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
Show more
