Nine-man Leverkusen beat Frankfurt as coach Hjulmand starts with win

Nine-man Bayer Leverkusen defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 for their first Bundesliga season victory on Friday as a change of coach from Erik ten Hag to Kasper Hjulmand paid off right away.

Alejandro Grimaldo converted two free-kicks, opening the scoring in the 10th minute in off the post and the shoulder of Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, and wrapping up matters eight minutes into stoppage time into the near corner.

The other for 2-0 on the stroke of half-time also came from a set piece, as Patrik Schick converted a penalty after Nathan Tella was tripped by Robin Koch.

Frankfurt hit back from Can Uzun's deflected volley seven minutes after the restart, and Nnamdi Collins came within inches of an equalizer when he blasted against the crossbar in the 61st.

Leverkusen were down to 10 men two minutes earlier when captain Robert Andrich was sent off for a second bookable offence, and Ezequiel Fernandez also got his marching orders early in a hectic stoppage time period.

"Today was very important, this victory helps us a lot," Schick told Sky TV. "The first half was the way we wanted to play. It was difficult with one man down. But we were compact at the back and our defenders were outstanding."

The improved 2024 champions and 2025 runners-up Leverkusen got their first full points, after losing 2-1 against Hoffenheim and drawing 3-3 at 10-man Werder Bremen from 3-1 up.

Those results, and other issues, led to the sacking of ten Hag after just two months on the job on September 1.

Former Denmark coach Hjulmand took over on Wednesday and had a perfect start with a new-look team after summer departures of key players such as Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka and Jonathan Tah.

"I am very happy with the three points," Hjulmand said. "We only allowed two chances and worked well at the back."

Frankfurt had won their first two matches but have now lost for the 11th time in a row in Leverkusen in the league.

Matchday three continues on the weekend, with matches including champions Bayern Munich v SV Hamburg and Hoffenheim v Borussia Dortmund.