MÖNCHENGLADBACH (AFP) – Granit Xhaka praised his side’s “pure mentality” as Florian Wirtz’s goal in the 11th minute of stoppage time snatched a 3-2 win for reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen at Borussia Moenchengladbach in Friday’s Bundesliga opener.
Leverkusen were cruising at half-time, after a Xhaka stunner and a Wirtz goal gave Xabi Alonso’s side a two-goal lead.
With rain teeming down at Gladbach’s Borussia Park, Nico Elvedi brought the hosts closer with a 59th-minute strike before newcomer Tim Kleindienst levelled the scores with five minutes remaining.
A second-half delay when home supporters set off flares in the stands meant a lengthy period of added time. In the 10th minute of that stoppage time, Ko Itakura clipped Amine Adli’s boot in the box, bringing Wirtz to the spot.
Wirtz’s effort was saved but the Germany midfielder hammered the ball in on the rebound as his side won late again. Leverkusen built a reputation for saving matches with last-gasp goals during their incredible run last season and Friday’s strike was officially the latest goal in league history.
“We started well in the first half and were dominant. We said at half-time we don’t want to let them back into it,” Xhaka told DAZN.
“They came back but again we showed our pure mentality and we can take the three points back to Leverkusen from a difficult away match.”
Leverkusen coach Alonso was at a loss for words.
“I have no explanation for that. It’s football. It’s happened for us a lot.”
Wirtz, 21, said he was “glad” to be given the responsibility of the spot-kick, saying he “wanted to decide the game”.
“I know that at the end it was a bit lucky, but I don’t want to complain. We’re happy that we won at the end.
