Bayer Leverkusen began their Bundesliga title defense with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday. Florian Wirtz's goal in the 11th minute of stoppage time secured the win after a penalty rebound, marking the latest goal in Bundesliga history.
The match at Borussia Park saw Leverkusen take a commanding lead by halftime. Granit Xhaka opened the scoring with a long-range shot in the 13th minute, followed by Wirtz's goal in the 38th minute.
However, Gladbach fought back in the second half. Nico Elvedi reduced the deficit with a goal in the 59th minute. Tim Kleindienst equalized for Gladbach with five minutes remaining.
The game was delayed in the second half due to flares set off by Gladbach supporters, leading to extended stoppage time. In the 10th minute of added time, Ko Itakura fouled Amine Adli in the box. Wirtz's initial penalty was saved by Gladbach's Jonas Omlin, but Wirtz scored on the rebound.
Leverkusen, who had an unbeaten league and cup double last season, had already won the German Supercup by defeating Stuttgart on penalties last Saturday. Gladbach, who narrowly escaped relegation last season, were missing star midfielder Manu Kone due to an impending transfer.
Xhaka’s goal mirrored his effort in Leverkusen’s German Cup final win over Kaiserslautern in May. Xhaka, a former Gladbach player, did not celebrate his goal against his former club. Wirtz, aged 21, expressed satisfaction with the win despite the challenging circumstances.
The match marked the first Bundesliga opener without Bayern Munich since 2013.
