football coverage: Grimaldo rescues Leverkusen

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.

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.