Late Own Goal Rescues Bayer Leverkusen in Thrilling Copenhagen Clash

Bayer Leverkusen were rescued from defeat by a stoppage-time own goal as they drew 2-2 with FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium.

The result came after a rollercoaster of a match that saw the home side take the lead twice and dominate large stretches, only for the German visitors to cling on in the final moments.

Just nine minutes in, Copenhagen stunned Leverkusen with an early strike. Jordan Larsson latched onto a low cross from Elias Achouri and, with composure, slotted the ball past Mark Flekken to give the Danish side the perfect start.

Copenhagen were energised, pressing Leverkusen high and testing the visitors’ defence with swift transitions down the flanks. The hosts created several more openings in the opening 45, with Mohamed Elyounoussi coming close and another chance rattling the crossbar.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, laboured to forge clear-cut opportunities and seemed more content to weather the early storm.

Leverkusen began to find life in the second half, as the intensity of their attacks increased and their control of possession improved. Dominik Kotarski, Copenhagen’s goalkeeper, was called into action repeatedly, making sharp saves to keep the score at 1-0.

A point in Copenhagen.

90+4‘ | 2-2 | #FCKB04 #aCROSSeurope pic.twitter.com/JlOgDpIbnY

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 18, 2025

The visitors’ first substantial breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when Alejandro Grimaldo curled a stunning free-kick over the wall and off the underside of the crossbar into the net, drawing Leverkusen level and swinging momentum in their favour.

But the joy was short-lived for Leverkusen. Just four minutes later Copenhagen struck again. A cross from Rodrigo Huescas found Robert Silva, who headed home to restore his team’s lead and silence the growing belief among the Leverkusen players that they might escape with something.

Parken was alive, the crowd roaring, as the hosts sensed a famous win at hand.

With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Leverkusen threw caution to the wind. Substitute Claudio Echeverri made a telling impact, driving into the box and delivering a cross meant for a teammate, but fate intervened in Copenhagen’s defence: Pantelis Hatzidiakos, under pressure, deflected the ball into his own net, completing the rescue job for Leverkusen and leaving Copenhagen agonisingly close to what would have been a deserved victory.

Leverkusen’s manager appeared relieved in post-match interviews, praising the resilience of his side even though he admitted that the team had “woken up rather than taken control.” Copenhagen, by contrast, were left rueing missed chances and defensive lapses at the worst possible moment. Thomas Delaney and his teammates had both put in a spirited display, but the inability to close the match proved costly.

For Copenhagen, the result feels like one that got away. Returning to the group stage after a qualifying run, they will take pride in the performance and the fact that they twice led a side of Leverkusen’s calibre.

Leverkusen, on the other hand, will view this as a point salvaged rather than one won, but one nonetheless that keeps them unbeaten in head-to-head matchups against Copenhagen in the Champions League.