New Bayer Leverkusen manager, Kasper Hjulmand, marked his return to Denmark with a dramatic 2-2 draw against F.C. København at Parken Stadium.
Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman was dismissed just three games into the season, was taking charge of his first club since leaving the Danish national team after Euro 2024.
The home side, fresh from navigating the qualifying playoffs, struck first in the ninth minute when Jordan Larsson volleyed in from Elias Achouri’s cross.
Leverkusen threatened a quick response, but Alejandro Grimaldo’s curling free-kick in the 21st minute flew narrowly over the bar.
København nearly doubled their lead before half-time when Mohamed Elyounoussi’s cross deflected onto the top of the crossbar.
Moments later, Mark Flekken, Leverkusen’s summer signing from Brentford – produced a superb reflex save to deny Youssoufa Moukoko at close range.
The second half saw both sides create openings. Flekken again kept out Larsson, while Eliesse Ben Seghir was unlucky to see his curling effort crash against the post just after the hour.
Substitute Claudio Echeverri then forced a fine stop from Dominik Kotarski, before Flekken spread himself brilliantly to block Rodrigo Huescas’ strike at the other end.
Leverkusen finally found their equaliser nine minutes from time when Grimaldo rifled a stunning 25-yard free-kick into the top corner.
But the hosts regained the advantage in the 87th minute through Brazilian forward Robert, who headed in Huescas’ cross after a quick counterattack.
There was one final twist deep into stoppage time as Leverkusen rescued a point. A low cross from Echeverri was diverted into his own net by København defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos, silencing the Parken crowd and capping a frantic finish.
