Bundesliga
Alejandro Grimaldo scored twice from free-kicks as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 in Kasper Hjulmand's debut as head coach, despite the home side receiving two red cards.
Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Eintracht FrankfurtGoals: 1-0 Grimaldo 10', 2-0 Schick 45'+4 (pen.), 2-1 Uzun 52', 3-1 Grimaldo 90'+8Red cards: Andrich 59', Fernández 90'+2
The hosts came into the match with just one point from their opening two Bundesliga matches, which had led to Erik ten Hag's departure and Hjulmand's arrival as his replacement, whilst Frankfurt arrived in confident mood having won both of their league fixtures.
Leverkusen were also looking to maintain their impressive record against the Eagles, having won the previous five encounters between the sides and defeating Frankfurt at home in each of the past 12 such Bundesliga meetings.
Leverkusen suffered an early setback when Exequiel Palacios was forced off with injury after 15 minutes, with Aleix García replacing him. However, by that point the hosts were already ahead. Grimaldo stepped up to take a free-kick from 25 yards out, and his effort struck the post before rebounding off Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer and into the net.
The visitors had also been forced into an early change when Rasmus Kristensen limped off to be replaced by Nathaniel Brown. Despite enjoying more possession, Frankfurt struggled to create clear chances. Meanwhile, Leverkusen looked threatening on the counter-attack, with Nathan Tella particularly lively. On the stroke of half-time, the hosts doubled their lead when Robin Koch fouled Tella in the box and Patrik Schick calmly dispatched the resulting penalty.
Frankfurt started the second half with renewed purpose and pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute when Can Uzun found the net with a deflected effort from just inside the box. The momentum appeared to shift further in the visitors' favour when Robert Andrich received a second yellow card for a foul on Ritsu Dōan, reducing Leverkusen to 10 men. Frankfurt pushed for an equaliser, with Nnamdi Collins striking the crossbar from distance.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Leverkusen defended resolutely and remained dangerous on the break, with Zetterer having to make a fine save to deny Axel Tape. Hjulmand's otufit picked up another red when Ezequiel Fernández, who had earlier been brought on, received a second yellow card for a foul on Farès Chaïbi.
However, rather than succumbing to the pressure, Leverkusen sealed the victory in spectacular fashion when Grimaldo fired home another sublime free-kick in the eighth minute of added time.
Grimaldo produced a masterclass in set-piece execution to inspire Leverkusen to victory. The Spanish defender's two free-kicks proved decisive, with his first effort hitting the post before hitting Zetterer and going in, while his second curling went in off the upright to seal the win.
Beyond his goals, Grimaldo was a constant threat down the left flank and showed impressive defensive resilience when Leverkusen were reduced to nine men. His contribution was reflected in an outstanding Fantasy score of 556 points, more than double that of any other player on the pitch. On a day when Leverkusen needed leadership and quality in difficult circumstances, Grimaldo delivered both in abundance.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.75 - Frankfurt 0.6
Fastest player: Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt), 35.45 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen), 9 percent
Most pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Frankfurt), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Aleix García (Leverkusen), +2.2
Fantasy Heroes: Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen, 556 Points), Patrik Schick (Leverkusen, 212 Points), Loïc Badé (Leverkusen, 206 Points)