GRANIT XHAKA has been hailed by fans for scoring a wondergoal for Bayer Leverkusen in their dramatic first game of the season.
The former Arsenal star was in action as the Bundesliga champions started their title defence.
Leverkusen took on Borussia Monchengladbach in their season opener as they look to defend their title.
It did not take long for Xabi Alonso‘s side to remind fans why they toppled Bayern Munich last term.
Xhaka, 31, broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a rocket of a strike from 30 yards out.
Jeremie Frimpong‘s cross was headed out of the box, but only for Xhaka to unleash his unstoppable shot.
The midfielder had a muted celebration, having played for Monchengladbach between 2012 and 2016 before he joined Arsenal.
Fans have been left stunned on social media as they were quick to hail the Swiss international.
One posted: “Crazy strike, and against his former team.”
A second wrote: “I love a strike where it still looks like the ball is rising and getting faster as it hits the back of the net. Proper thunderbolt.”
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A third commented: “Xhakaboom.”
A fourth said: “Xhaka only scores bangers.”
Here is a look into Granit Xhaka's career...
Club career
FC Basel, 2010–2012
Borussia Monchengladbach, 2012-2016
Arsenal, 2016-2023
Bayer Leverkusen, 2023-present
International career
Switzerland, 2011-present
Honours
Swiss Super Cup x2, Swiss Cup, FA Cup x2, Community Shield x2, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup
Another added: “The dictionary definition of ‘stayed hit’.”
Florian Wirtz made it 2-0 before half-time before an unlikely comeback from Monchengladbach.
Goals from Nico Elvedi and Tim Kleindienst looked to have earned the hosts a point until Wirtz netted in the 111th minute to give Leverkusen the win.
Alonso’s side earned the nickname ‘Neverlusen’ last season due to their no-lose attitude and numerous later comebacks.
Xhaka left Arsenal in 2023 for the German outfit and helped the club enjoy an unbeaten domestic double.
The club were one game from winning a treble but lost in the final of the Europa League to Italian side Atalanta.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have already started their domestic season with a 2-0 win over Wolves.
The Gunners will continue their title challenge on Saturday when they travel to face Aston Villa at Villa Park.
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