Bayer Leverkusen secured their first Bundesliga win of the season with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, despite finishing the match with nine men. Spanish full-back Álex Grimaldo was the star of the night, scoring twice from free kicks.
Grimaldo Inspires Leverkusen
The breakthrough came when Grimaldo smashed in a stunning 25-metre free kick to give Leverkusen the lead. Striker Patrik Schick later converted a penalty in stoppage time to make it 2-0 after Nathan Tella was fouled inside the box.
Frankfurt hit back early in the second half through Can Uzun’s volley, before Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Things got worse when Ezequiel Fernández was also dismissed, leaving the hosts with nine men. But Grimaldo sealed the win with another brilliantly executed free kick deep into stoppage time.
New Coach, New Energy
The win marked a strong start for new coach Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag earlier in the week after a poor start to the campaign.
Under Hjulmand, Leverkusen looked sharper and more aggressive, ending Frankfurt’s eight-match unbeaten streak that stretched back to last season.
What’s Next?
Leverkusen now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face FC Copenhagen in their opening group-stage clash next week.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt prepare to host Galatasaray in their own Champions League opener.
