Erik Ten Hag’s first game in charge of Bayer Leverkusen ended in disappointment as his team squandered an early lead to suffer a 2-1 home defeat against Hoffenheim in their Bundesliga opener on Saturday.
The former Manchester United boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso during the summer, has taken charge of a squad that underwent major restructuring following several high-profile departures. On the touchline, Ten Hag looked visibly frustrated as his side’s inconsistencies cost them the chance to begin the season on a positive note.
Leverkusen got off to the perfect start in front of their home supporters, taking the lead just six minutes in. New signing Jarell Quansah, who arrived from Liverpool during the transfer window, met an Alex Grimaldo free kick with a towering header to put the hosts in front.
However, defensive frailties quickly surfaced. Just before the half-hour mark, Hoffenheim capitalized on a lapse in concentration. Quansah, the early goalscorer, turned from hero to culprit as his error gifted Fisnik Asllani the opportunity to equalize, which he calmly converted.
The visitors, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, grew in confidence and completed the turnaround in the 52nd minute. Tim Lemperle, left unmarked with too much space by Leverkusen’s backline, fired a low-driven effort into the far corner to give Hoffenheim the advantage.
Despite Leverkusen’s reputation for resilience, having lost only three league games across the past two seasons, there was to be no dramatic recovery this time. The result highlighted the significant rebuild ahead for Ten Hag as he attempts to mold a competitive side in the post-Alonso era.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Eintracht Frankfurt delivered a resounding 4-1 win over Werder Bremen, proving they remain potent in attack despite losing Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool this summer. Jean-Matteo Bahoya was the standout performer, netting twice before the break, while youngsters Can Uzun and Ansgar Knauff also found the scoresheet. Bremen managed a consolation through Justin Njinmah, but rarely posed a threat.
German Cup holders Stuttgart endured a difficult return to Berlin, losing 2-1 to Union Berlin. Debutant Ilyas Ansah struck twice in the first half for the hosts, while Stuttgart, who had celebrated their cup triumph in the same city just months ago, hit the woodwork twice and saw Nick Woltemade’s stoppage-time equalizer ruled out for offside.
Elsewhere, Augsburg secured a 3-1 win at Freiburg, and Wolfsburg claimed the same scoreline away at Heidenheim.
On Friday night, defending champions Bayern Munich opened their title defense in emphatic fashion, thrashing RB Leipzig 6-0 at the Allianz Arena. Harry Kane was the star of the evening, scoring a second-half hat trick to signal his intent for another prolific campaign.
Later on Saturday, Borussia Dortmund were set to kick off their Bundesliga season with a tricky away clash at St Pauli.
What you should know
Erik Ten Hag’s managerial debut with Bayer Leverkusen ended in a 2-1 defeat against Hoffenheim, despite an early lead from new signing Jarell Quansah.
The setback underscored the scale of the rebuilding task facing Ten Hag after replacing Xabi Alonso. Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt impressed in a 4-1 win over Werder Bremen, while Stuttgart fell 2-1 to Union Berlin.
Bayern Munich showcased their dominance with a 6-0 victory over RB Leipzig, with Harry Kane netting a hat trick.
The Bundesliga season is off to a dramatic start, with established powerhouses and underdogs both making headlines.
