Bayer Leverkusen had a nail-biting start to the Bundesliga season, securing a 3-2 victory against Borussia Monchengladbach with a goal in the 11th minute of injury time. The defending champions showcased their knack for late goals and comebacks, a trend that has been consistent since last season. With an undefeated streak in both the league and the German Cup, Leverkusen has built a reputation for dramatic finishes. It seems that the team’s new DNA involves never giving up and believing in themselves until the final whistle.
Granit Xhaka, Leverkusen’s midfielder, emphasized the importance of mentality and quality in securing the win. Regardless of how they played or what happened during the game, the team’s belief and determination shone through in crucial moments. Manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged that their habit of scoring late goals cannot be trained, attributing it to the team’s mentality. This mindset of resilience and never-say-die attitude has become a defining characteristic of Bayer Leverkusen’s style of play.
The game against Borussia Monchengladbach had its fair share of ups and downs. Leverkusen took an early lead with thunderous strikes from Xhaka and Wirtz. However, Gladbach mounted a comeback with Elvedi and Kleindienst scoring to level the playing field. The match saw Leverkusen hitting the woodwork twice and a disallowed goal for Gladbach after a video review. The late penalty drama culminated in Wirtz converting the rebound and securing the three points for Leverkusen.
While the victory was a testament to Leverkusen’s grit and determination, manager Alonso identified areas for improvement. He emphasized the need for compactness and aggressiveness in their gameplay. The team’s performance in certain phases was passive, which could potentially pose challenges as they aim to defend their Bundesliga title this season. Leverkusen will need to work on maintaining consistency and intensity throughout the match to avoid late-game suspense in future fixtures.
The intense nature of the game was further heightened by off-field incidents, such as fans lighting flares in the stands. The match had to be momentarily halted due to the smoke covering part of the field. Such disruptions not only impact the flow of the game but also raise concerns regarding safety and crowd behavior in stadiums. Leverkusen will need to ensure that such incidents are addressed and prevented in the future to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for players and fans alike.
Bayer Leverkusen’s victory against Borussia Monchengladbach highlighted their resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. While late goals have become synonymous with their style of play, the team must focus on refining their defensive and offensive strategies to maintain consistency throughout the season. With a strong mindset and a commitment to improvement, Leverkusen can continue their winning streak and contend for top honors in the Bundesliga.