Key Takeaways:
- Leverkusen fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Copenhagen in their opening Champions League group fixture
- Pantelis Hatzidiakos scored an own goal in added time to level the match at Parken Stadium
- Both teams will play their second group matches on October 1, with Leverkusen hosting PSV Eindhoven and Copenhagen travelling to Qarabağ
Match Analysis
Bayer Leverkusen and FC Copenhagen delivered a gripping 2-2 stalemate in their Champions League group stage opener at Parken Stadium. The Danish champions seized the initiative as Jordan Larsson netted in the 9th minute, capitalising on a mistake involving the former Real Madrid player Lucas Vázquez. Despite a number of further opportunities for both sides, the scoreline remained unchanged for much of the contest.
A point in Copenhagen.
90+4‘ | 2-2 | #FCKB04 #aCROSSeurope pic.twitter.com/JlOgDpIbnY
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 18, 2025
Leverkusen finally found their equaliser in the 82nd minute as Álex Grimaldo scored from a direct free-kick, replicating his recent Bundesliga success against Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the German outfit’s hopes of three points were quickly jeopardised. Just five minutes later, Copenhagen responded, with young Brazilian Robert Silva heading home to put the hosts back in front at 2-1.
The finale proved to be particularly dramatic. In the first moments of stoppage time, Copenhagen defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, allowing Bayer Leverkusen to salvage a valuable away point.
Key Moments and Scorers
| Minute | Team | Scorer | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Copenhagen | Jordan Larsson | Goal |
| 82 | Leverkusen | Álex Grimaldo | Direct Free-Kick Goal |
| 87 | Copenhagen | Robert Silva | Header Goal |
| 90+ (Stoppage Time) | Leverkusen | Pantelis Hatzidiakos (own goal) | Own Goal |
What Happens Next
Group stage action resumes on October 1, when Leverkusen host PSV Eindhoven and Copenhagen travel to Azerbaijan to take on Qarabağ. Both teams will look to build on their dramatic opening performances as they seek progression in the competition.
