Leverkusen began their Bundesliga title defense with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday. The match, held at the iconic Borussia-Park, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing Leverkusen's resilience and knack for late-game comebacks.
The season opener saw Leverkusen lose a two-goal lead, but under the strategic guidance of Xabi Alonso, the team demonstrated their unbeaten streak continues. Granit Xhaka ignited the game with a powerful strike in the 12th minute, giving Monchengladbach an early advantage. Florian Wirtz responded with a penalty in the 38th minute after a defensive lapse, restoring Leverkusen's lead and setting the stage for a nail-biting second half.
Despite hitting the woodwork twice and having a goal disallowed by video review, Leverkusen maintained their composure. The visitors launched a comeback in the 59th minute through Nico Elvedi, followed by Tim Kleindienst's equalizer in the 85th. Just when fans thought the game was slipping away, Wirtz sealed the victory by converting a rebound from a saved penalty in stoppage time, extending Leverkusen's unbeaten run to an impressive 35 games in the league.
The match was not without its dramatic moments off the field, as fans briefly interrupted play with flares and smoke in the stands, adding to the intense atmosphere. As Leverkusen continues their title defense, their ability to perform under pressure remains a key factor in their pursuit of Bundesliga glory.
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Leverkusen begin Bundesliga title defense by defeating Monchengladbach
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