BUNDESLIGA

Wirtz scores 101st-minute winner for Leverkusen against Monchengladbach

Florian Wirtz scored a dramatic winner from a penalty rebound in the 11th minute of stoppage time as Bayer Leverkusen began their Bundesliga title defence with victory against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Wirtz followed up to score after his spot-kick – awarded after Amine Adli was fouled inside the box – was saved by Jonas Omlin.

It came after Leverkusen, who went unbeaten as they won the league last season, had let a two-goal advantage slip.

Their last-gasp win away from home follows Saturday’s German Super Cup victory over Stuttgart on penalties.

In what was the opening game of the German top-flight season, Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen went ahead after just 12 minutes, with former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka rifling an excellent strike past Omlin.

They continued to exert early pressure on the hosts and both Victor Boniface and Edmond Tapsoba were denied by the woodwork.

Monchengladbach’s defence eventually cracked once more, with Wirtz making it 2-0 by driving home the follow-up after Alejandro Grimaldo had a shot blocked.

The hosts thought they reduced the deficit before the break but Tim Kleindienst’s goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.

They pulled a goal back in the 59th minute when Nico Elvedi headed past Lukas Hradecky after the Finnish goalkeeper clawed away his initial effort.

Monchengladbach looked set for a point as Kleindeinst levelled in the 85th minute by prodding home a Kevin Stoger pass. But Wirtz saved the day for Alonso’s men.

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