Wirtz's late goal secures Leverkusen's victory over Gladbach in Bundesliga opener

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany - In a thrilling season opener, defending champions Bayer Leverkusen clinched a 3-2 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach with a last-minute goal from Florian Wirtz.

Leverkusen were awarded a late penalty for Ko Itakura's foul on substitute Amine Adli and Wirtz scored on a rebound to earn the visitors the three points.

Granit Xhaka opened the scoring for Leverkusen in the 12th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box before Florian Wirtz doubled their lead in the 38th on a rebound.

But defender Nico Elvedi pulled one back for Gladbach just before the hour mark from close range and Tim Kleindienst nutmegged Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba to level for the hosts five minutes from time.