FC København 2-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of FC København 2-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Champions League on Thursday, 18 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

The match between FC København and Bayer 04 Leverkusen ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams. FC København, coming off a loss to Brøndby IF, managed to hold their ground against a strong Leverkusen side that had recently won against Eintracht Frankfurt. The result was not entirely surprising given Leverkusen's inconsistent form, with a draw and a loss in their last three matches. Jordan Larsson's early goal set the tone for København, while Robert Vinicius Rodrigues Silva's late strike ensured they earned a valuable point.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen, despite their dominance in possession, couldn't secure the win, extending their run of inconsistent results. Alejandro Grimaldo's goal in the 82nd minute seemed to seal the victory for Leverkusen, but an unfortunate own goal by Pantelis Hatzidiakos in stoppage time leveled the score. This draw does not end any significant run for either team but highlights København's resilience at home, especially after their recent Champions League win against Basel.

The statistics from the match between FC København and Bayer 04 Leverkusen reveal a game where possession did not translate into a win for the visitors. Leverkusen enjoyed 64% of the ball, yet the match ended in a draw, suggesting that København's defensive organisation and counter-attacking prowess were key factors. The number of corners was closely contested, with Leverkusen taking one more than København, indicating both teams had their moments in the attacking third.

Interestingly, København had a higher successful dribble percentage at 46% compared to Leverkusen's 35%, which might have contributed to their ability to create scoring opportunities despite less possession. The yellow card count was relatively even, with København receiving three and Leverkusen two, showing a competitive but disciplined encounter. The absence of penalties and injury time goals further underscores the tactical battle that unfolded on the pitch.

The game's early stages saw FC København take the lead through Jordan Larsson's goal in the 9th minute, setting an aggressive tone for the hosts. København's discipline was tested with yellow cards to Marcos Johan López Lanfranco, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, and Thomas Delaney, but they managed to maintain their structure. The introduction of substitutes like Mads Emil Madsen and Viktor Claesson in the second half aimed to bolster their midfield and attack, with Robert Vinicius Rodrigues Silva's late goal proving crucial in securing a draw.

For Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the key moment came in the 82nd minute when Alejandro Grimaldo scored, seemingly putting the visitors in control. However, the drama continued as Pantelis Hatzidiakos scored an own goal in the 90+1st minute, snatching a point for København. Leverkusen's substitutions, including Aleix García Serrano and Ibrahim Maza, were intended to refresh their lineup, but the late twist in the game's outcome highlighted the fine margins in top-level football.

FC København lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Dominik Kotarski in goal and a backline of Rodrigo Huescas, Gabriel Pereira, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, and Marcos López. The midfield was anchored by Lukas Lerager and Thomas Delaney, with Jordan Larsson and Elias Achouri providing width. Up front, Youssoufa Moukoko and Mohamed Elyounoussi led the attack. The lineup was largely expected, with no major surprises.

The impact of substitutions was notable, particularly the introduction of Robert Vinicius Rodrigues Silva, who scored the equaliser in the 86th minute. His contribution off the bench was vital in securing a point for København. The team's performance, especially in the second half, showcased their resilience and ability to adapt to the game's demands.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mark Flekken in goal and a defensive trio of Jarell Quansah, Loïc Badé, and Edmond Tapsoba. The midfield was controlled by Robert Andrich and Ezequiel Fernández, with Lucas Vázquez and Alejandro Grimaldo providing width. Malik Tillman and Eliesse Ben Seghir supported striker Patrik Schick. The lineup was typical of Leverkusen's recent setups, with no significant surprises.

The substitutions made by Leverkusen, including Aleix García Serrano and Ibrahim Maza, aimed to inject fresh energy into the team. However, it was Alejandro Grimaldo's goal that stood out, showcasing his importance to the team's attacking efforts. Despite the late own goal, Leverkusen's performance was solid, but they were unable to capitalise on their possession dominance to secure all three points.

Alejandro Grimaldo earned Bwin’s Man of the Match award for his impactful performance against FC København. His goal in the 82nd minute was a moment of quality that seemed to secure the win for Leverkusen. Despite not registering any assists or big chances created, Grimaldo's five key passes highlight his influence on the game, demonstrating his ability to dictate play from the left flank. His contribution was crucial in a match that saw Leverkusen dominate possession but ultimately settle for a draw.

• Draw: 2-2 vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs FC København (A)

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