Heroic Nine-Man Leverkusen Triumphs Over Frankfurt with Grimaldo’s Stunning Brace

Bayer Leverkusen, playing with just nine men, secured their first Bundesliga win of the season with a determined 3-1 victory against Champions League rivals Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday. The victory was spurred by Alex Grimaldo’s impressive two-goal performance, marking a triumphant debut for new coach Kasper Hjulmand.

Hjulmand replaced Erik ten Hag earlier this week after Leverkusen’s winless start in their opening two league games. Under Hjulmand’s guidance, the team appeared more energized and quickly took control of the match. Eintracht Frankfurt, who had enjoyed victories in their first two league outings, were left on the back foot for much of the first half. Despite losing two players to red cards in the second half, Leverkusen managed to hold on.

The victory ended Frankfurt’s unbeaten streak of eight matches, stretching back to the previous season. Looking ahead to their Champions League opener against FC Copenhagen next week, Leverkusen set the tone with a spectacular 25-meter free kick from Spanish international Grimaldo.

Nathan Tella and Patrik Schick both had near-misses before Schick converted a penalty in stoppage time, awarded after Tella was fouled. Frankfurt, hosting Galatasaray in the Champions League next week, found hope with Can Uzun’s volley shortly after the break. However, Leverkusen’s captain, Robert Andrich, received a second yellow card in the 59th minute, reducing his team to ten men.

Tella missed an opportunity to extend the lead in the 84th minute, with goalkeeper Michael Zetterer making a crucial save. Leverkusen was reduced to nine players when Ezequiel Fernandez was shown a second yellow card in a tense ending. Grimaldo then sealed the win with another excellent free kick in stoppage time, securing his second goal of the night.

Published on September 13, 2025.