Bayer Leverkusen win in Kasper Hjulmand’s debut with a Grimaldo brace

Bayer Leverkusen claimed their first victory of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season on Friday evening, defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 at the BayArena in the opening match of the third round.

The result not only ended Leverkusen’s shaky start to the campaign but also provided a dream debut for newly appointed Danish head coach Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman’s short and turbulent spell in charge.

The game offered a compelling narrative of control, adversity, and resilience. Leverkusen began brightly, with Spanish full-back Alejandro Grimaldo one of the team’s most consistent performers since his arrival from Benfica opening the scoring in the 10th minute with a precise finish that highlighted both his attacking instincts and technical quality. Grimaldo would later cap off the victory with a second strike deep into stoppage time (90+8), securing a brace that underlined his importance as one of the most productive left-backs in Europe.

Czech striker Patrik Schick doubled Leverkusen’s advantage just before the break, converting a penalty in the 45+4th minute after a period of sustained pressure. The hosts appeared in full control as they headed into half-time with a two-goal cushion. However, the second half tested Leverkusen’s resolve in ways that Hjulmand could hardly have anticipated.

Frankfurt reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute through German-Turkish forward Can Uzun, who showed composure in front of goal to give the visitors renewed hope. Matters worsened for Leverkusen soon after, as captain Robert Andrich was shown a red card in the 59th minute, leaving the hosts to defend their lead with ten men. The pressure intensified in the closing stages when Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Fernández, making his debut for Leverkusen, was also dismissed in the 90+2nd minute. Reduced to nine players, the Werkself were forced to dig deep, but instead of collapsing, they found the strength to strike again. Grimaldo’s second goal not only killed the contest but also symbolised the determination and fighting spirit Hjulmand will hope to instil in his squad.

For Eintracht Frankfurt, the defeat was a setback after an encouraging start to the season. Dino Toppmöller’s side had collected maximum points from their opening two matches and were one of just three teams with a perfect record before the international break. Despite their numerical advantage for the final half-hour, Frankfurt were unable to capitalise, leaving them with their first loss of the campaign. Portuguese-Angolan right-back Aurélio Buta remained an unused substitute, while Frankfurt’s attack struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined, if depleted, Leverkusen defence.

For Leverkusen, the victory carries significance beyond the three points. After opening the season with a draw and a defeat under Ten Hag, last season’s Bundesliga runners-up desperately needed a statement performance to restore confidence. Hjulmand’s arrival has already injected new energy, and the Dane’s first match in charge showcased his ability to steady the ship quickly. The win lifted Leverkusen provisionally into seventh place with four points, narrowing the gap to Frankfurt, who remain third, just two points ahead.

The result also reshapes the early-season dynamics at the top of the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich and Köln, both perfect after two matches, will have the chance to pull clear at the summit when they take to the field on Saturday. Bayern, led by Thomas Tuchel, host newly promoted Hamburg in Munich, while Köln, back in the top flight after winning the 2. Bundesliga last season, travel to Wolfsburg. These fixtures could already begin to set the tone for the title race, with Leverkusen hoping to stay within touching distance despite their challenging start.

Looking ahead, both Leverkusen and Frankfurt must balance domestic ambitions with the demands of European competition. The two clubs are among Germany’s four representatives in the Champions League league phase this season, joining Bayern and Stuttgart. For Leverkusen, the challenge is particularly daunting, as they are set to face Portuguese giants Benfica, who have consistently been strong competitors on the continental stage. The meeting between Leverkusen and Benfica will be especially intriguing, given Grimaldo’s past at the Lisbon club and his current form as one of Hjulmand’s key weapons.

For Hjulmand, the debut victory provides both relief and a platform. The Dane, who previously impressed as Denmark’s national team coach, now faces the task of translating his tactical ideas into consistent results in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. The resilience shown by his team playing with nine men yet still sealing the victory suggests that Leverkusen’s title challenge may not be over despite a stuttering start.

As the Bundesliga season begins to gather pace, Friday’s clash at the BayArena may well be remembered as a turning point. Leverkusen, buoyed by Grimaldo’s brilliance and the energy of a new coach, showed they still possess the quality and mentality to fight at the top. Frankfurt, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to ensure that this defeat does not derail their early momentum. With the Champions League looming, both sides will soon be tested on multiple fronts, and Friday night’s drama was a reminder that the margins at the highest level remain razor-thin.