Bayer Leverkusen began their Bundesliga title defense with a thrilling 3-2 win against Borussia Monchengladbach, thanks to a dramatic late winner from Florian Wirtz.
The match, which was the opening game of the German top-flight season, saw Leverkusen take an early lead and then let a two-goal advantage slip, only for Wirtz to save the day with a penalty rebound in stoppage time.
Leverkusen, who went unbeaten as they won the league last season, started strong, with Granit Xhaka scoring an excellent strike past Jonas Omlin in the 12th minute. They continued to exert pressure, with Victor Boniface and Edmond Tapsoba denied by the woodwork.
Wirtz made it 2-0 by driving home the follow-up after Alejandro Grimaldo had a shot blocked.
Monchengladbach pulled a goal back in the 59th minute, and Tim Kleindienst leveled the score in the 85th minute. However, Wirtz’s late penalty rebound secured the win for Leverkusen, following up after his spot-kick was saved by Omlin.
This victory comes after their German Super Cup win over Stuttgart on penalties.
