Leverkusen boss Hjulmand hails ´world-class´ Grimaldo after latest free-kick exploits


Kasper Hjulmand paid tribute to “world-class” Alex Grimaldo, after the Bayer Leverkusen defender once again demonstrated his “unbelievable” free-kick exploits against FC Copenhagen.

The Bundesliga side twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with the reigning Superliga champions at Parken.

Grimaldo grabbed the first equaliser in the 82nd minute when he fired a superb 25-yard free-kick into Dominik Kotarski’s top-left corner.

The full-back has now scored the outright most direct free-kick goals by a Spanish player in Champions League history, moving ahead of his former boss Xabi Alonso (three).

It was also Grimaldo’s third in two games, after he scored two during Leverkusen’s 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga last weekend.

“It’s just world-class. Absolutely crazy,” Hjulmand told reporters during his post-match press conference.

“He was frustrated when he missed the first one [free-kick during the first half]. He just sees the goal. His free-kick ability is unbelievable. Pure, sheer world-class.”

Hjulmand’s second game in charge of Leverkusen – and first in the Champions League – came on familiar territory for the former Denmark boss.

And he was pleased with the character his new side showed.

“At the end of the day, I think we should be satisfied with the point and move on,” he added.

“We are still learning what we can do with this group of new players. It’s a new team. Today, we showed some character again. Being behind twice here in Parken is difficult, so we take the point and move on. We have a lot of work to do.”





Source link

  • Related Posts

    Isak could start derby says Slot

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot will make a late decision on whether record signing Alexander Isak can start the Merseyside derby against Everton. The £125m striker made his Reds debut in…

    Spurs and Man Utd want to land former Chelsea star

    News » Premier League news » Chelsea news September 19, 2025 09:42 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin Gallagher to Spurs or Man Utd? Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are keen on landing the signature…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *