In a night that oscillated between nostalgia, tension, and sheer drama, Kasper Hjulmand’s return to Danish soil as Bayer Leverkusen manager culminated in a breathless 2-2 draw against F.C. København at the iconic Parken Stadium. The match, which marked Hjulmand’s first club assignment since stepping down as Denmark’s national team coach after Euro 2024, was already steeped in intrigue following the abrupt dismissal of Erik ten Hag, whose tenure at Leverkusen lasted a mere three competitive fixtures. But few could have predicted the emotional rollercoaster that unfolded under the floodlights in Copenhagen, where stoppage-time chaos ensured that both sides shared the spoils in a contest that will be remembered for its relentless pace and dramatic swings.
The Danish capital was buzzing with anticipation long before kickoff. For the home fans, it was a chance to witness their side, fresh from navigating the treacherous waters of Champions League qualifying playoffs, take on one of Germany’s most exciting outfits. For the traveling Leverkusen faithful, it was an opportunity to see how their new manager would fare in familiar territory, against a club that embodies the spirit and resilience of Scandinavian football. Hjulmand, ever the tactician, arrived with a clear plan: to impose Leverkusen’s fluid attacking style while respecting the compact, counter-attacking threat posed by København.
The hosts wasted no time in asserting themselves. Just nine minutes into the match, Jordan Larsson—son of Swedish legend Henrik Larsson—volleyed home a crisp delivery from Elias Achouri, who had found space on the left flank to whip in a teasing cross. Larsson’s finish was instinctive and emphatic, giving København an early foothold and sending the home crowd into raptures. The goal was a product of sharp movement and precise execution, emblematic of the confidence that had carried the Danish side through the qualifiers.
Leverkusen, stunned but not shaken, began to find their rhythm midway through the first half. Alejandro Grimaldo, one of the Bundesliga’s most technically gifted full-backs, nearly restored parity in the 21st minute with a curling free-kick from just outside the box. His effort had the goalkeeper beaten but sailed narrowly over the crossbar, a warning shot that signaled Leverkusen’s growing intent. Hjulmand’s side began to dominate possession, with Ezequiel Fernández and Eliesse Ben Seghir orchestrating play from midfield, probing for gaps in København’s disciplined defensive structure.
Yet it was the hosts who came closest to doubling their lead before the interval. Mohamed Elyounoussi, a veteran of both Premier League and Bundesliga campaigns, delivered a dangerous cross from the right that took a wicked deflection off Fernández. The ball looped high and dropped onto the top of the crossbar, momentarily silencing the crowd. Moments later, Youssoufa Moukoko—on loan from Borussia Dortmund—tested Leverkusen keeper Mark Flekken with a sharp snapshot from close range. Flekken, a summer arrival from Brentford, reacted superbly to deny the young striker, showcasing the reflexes that had made him one of the Premier League’s standout performers last season.
The second half began with renewed urgency from both sides. København, sensing an opportunity to claim a famous scalp, pressed high and looked to exploit the flanks. Larsson continued to be a menace, forcing Flekken into another save with a low drive that skidded across the slick surface. Leverkusen responded in kind, with Ben Seghir curling a delightful effort from the edge of the box that struck the outside of the far post. It was a moment of exquisite technique and cruel misfortune, as the ball rebounded harmlessly away, denying the visitors a deserved equaliser.
As the match entered its final quarter, the intensity ramped up. Both managers made tactical adjustments, with Hjulmand introducing Claudio Echeverri to add pace and directness to Leverkusen’s attack. The Argentine teenager, already touted as one of South America’s brightest prospects, made an immediate impact. His angled strike was parried by Dominik Kotarski, the København goalkeeper, who had been largely untested until that point. At the other end, Flekken was called into action once more, spreading himself to block Rodrigo Huescas’ powerful drive at the near post. The duel between the two keepers became a subplot of its own, each determined to outshine the other in a match that refused to settle.
With nine minutes remaining, Leverkusen finally broke through. Grimaldo, who had threatened all evening with his set-piece delivery, stepped up once more and delivered a moment of magic. His 25-yard free-kick soared over the wall and nestled into the top right corner, leaving Kotarski rooted to the spot. The goal was a masterclass in precision and power, and it brought the visitors level at a crucial juncture. For Grimaldo, it was a reward for persistence; for Leverkusen, it was a lifeline.
But the drama was far from over. København, undeterred by the setback, launched a swift counterattack just minutes later. Huescas, who had been a constant outlet on the right, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Brazilian forward Robert rose highest to nod the ball past Flekken. The goal, coming in the 87th minute, appeared to seal all three points for the hosts. The Parken Stadium erupted once more, with fans celebrating what they believed was a famous victory against one of Europe’s rising powers.
Yet football, in its cruel and beautiful unpredictability, had one final twist. Deep into stoppage time, Echeverri surged down the right and fired a low cross into the danger zone. In a desperate attempt to clear, København defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net. The own goal was a dagger to the heart of the home side, who had fought valiantly and looked poised to claim a historic win. For Leverkusen, it was a moment of salvation, a testament to their resilience and refusal to accept defeat.
As the final whistle blew, both sets of players collapsed to the turf—some in despair, others in relief. Hjulmand, stoic on the touchline, offered a brief nod of acknowledgment to the crowd, many of whom had cheered his name during his tenure as Denmark’s national coach. His return to Parken had been anything but routine, marked by tactical battles, emotional reunions, and last-gasp heroics. For Leverkusen, the draw felt like a win; for København, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
In the post-match analysis, pundits praised the tactical nous of both managers. Hjulmand’s decision to introduce Echeverri proved decisive, while København’s compact shape and counter-attacking threat kept Leverkusen on edge throughout. The performances of Flekken and Kotarski were also highlighted, with both goalkeepers making crucial saves that kept their teams in the contest. Grimaldo’s free-kick was hailed as a moment of individual brilliance, while Larsson’s early strike and Robert’s late header showcased the clinical edge of the Danish champions.
Beyond the tactical breakdown, the match carried emotional weight. Hjulmand’s return to Denmark was always going to be a storyline, but the manner in which the game unfolded added layers of complexity. His ability to galvanize a Leverkusen side still reeling from managerial upheaval spoke volumes about his leadership and adaptability. The draw, while not ideal, provided a foundation upon which he can build, as the Bundesliga side looks to navigate a challenging Champions League group.
For København, the result was a reminder of the fine margins at this level. They had matched Leverkusen stride for stride, created chances, and defended with heart. Yet a single moment of misfortune denied them a famous victory. Still, their performance will serve as a statement of intent, a signal that they belong among Europe’s elite and are capable of competing with the continent’s best.
As the dust settled on a pulsating night in Copenhagen, fans and analysts alike were left to reflect on a match that had everything: goals, saves, drama, and narrative. It was a fitting chapter in the evolving story of Kasper Hjulmand’s managerial journey, and a reminder of why the Champions League remains football’s most compelling theatre.
