Bundesliga
USMNT international Malik Tillman volleyed Bayer Leverkusen on course for three points, only for Borussia Mönchengladbach to conjure up a stoppage-time equaliser.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Borussia MönchengladbachGoals: 1-0 Tillman 70' (assist: Schick), 1-1 Tabaković (assist: Herrmann)
Leverkusen welcomed Gladbach to the BayArena for Kasper Hjulmand's second Bundesliga match, where the Danish coach was seeking back-to-back wins following a 3-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt last time out.
For the visitors, this was interim head coach Eugen Polanski's first match after Gerardo Seoane was relieved of his duties following a poor start to the season. Gladbach were without a single goal in their opening three matches, sitting at the bottom of the table with just one point to their name.
Leverkusen dominated possession in the early exchanges, but it was Patrik Schick who had the first meaningful opportunity when he met Alejandro Grimaldo's pinpoint free-kick delivery in the ninth minute. The Czech striker's close-range header was brilliantly saved by Moritz Nicolas, whose rapid reflexes denied the hosts.
Gladbach grew into the match and thought they had scored in the 23rd minute when Jens Castrop fired into the Leverkusen net, but their celebrations were cut short as VAR confirmed the midfielder was offside in the build-up.
Both sides traded chances as the half progressed, with Gladbach showing impressive organisation under their interim coach, frustrating Leverkusen's attacking talents.
The second half continued in a similar vein with neither side able to make a breakthrough, prompting both coaches to make changes. Hjulmand's substitutions proved effective when Ernest Poku, who had replaced Lucas Vázquez in the 63rd minute, made an instant impact on the right flank. Poku's cross found Schick in the box, and although the striker couldn't convert, Tillman was on hand to volley home in the 70th minute.
Leverkusen looked to be cruising towards victory as the match entered stoppage time, but there was a final twist to come. Two minutes beyond the 90, Charles Herrmann delivered a corner that was met by substitute Haris Tabaković, who rose highest to head past Mark Flekken and not only give Gladbach their first goal of the season, but also a valuable point.
The American midfielder was a constant threat throughout the match, displaying his technical ability in midfield and then attacking instinct when advancing forward.
Beyond his goal, Tillman's overall contribution was significant, covering almost eight miles (12.4 km) during the match, more than any Leverkusen player. His movement between the lines consistently troubled the Gladbach defence, and his ability to retain possession under pressure (withstanding 20 pressing moments) was crucial to Leverkusen's dominance in midfield.
Given their personnel issues today due to injuries and suspensions, the American did well to play in the middle of the park alongside Aleix García.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 1.49 - Gladbach 0.92
Fastest player: Ernest Poku (Leverkusen), 35.56 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Malik Tillman (Leverkusen), 16 percent
Most pressed player: Eliesse Ben Seghir (Leverkusen), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Nico Elvedi (Gladbach), +2.56
Fantasy Heroes: Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen, 300 Points), Malik Tillman (Leverkusen, 293 Points), Jarell Quansah (Leverkusen, 271 Points)