Bayer Leverkusen lose 1-2 to Hoffenheim in Erik ten Hag’s Bundesliga debut

Bayer Leverkusen endured a tough night at the BayArena as they slipped to a 1-2 defeat against Hoffenheim in their opening Bundesliga fixture on Saturday.

The match carried extra weight as it marked Erik ten Hag’s official debut as Leverkusen manager in Germany’s top division. Things started brightly for the home side when new signing Jarell Quansah scored his first Bundesliga goal in just the 6th minute. Rising high from Alejandro Grimaldo’s free-kick, the defender headed the ball into the net to give Leverkusen a 1-0 lead.

But Hoffenheim, unfazed by the early setback, grew into the game. They almost equalized when Tim Lemperle’s strike rattled the post. The visitors didn’t have to wait long though — Fisnik Asslani found space in the 25th minute to slot home from Bazoumana Traore’s clever pass, making it 1-1.

The second half saw Hoffenheim turn the tide completely. Just seven minutes after the restart, goalkeeper Frank Baumann’s long ball released Asslani, who unselfishly set up Lemperle. The striker made no mistake, drilling the ball into the bottom corner to put the visitors 2-1 up.

Leverkusen tried to find a way back, but Hoffenheim’s defense stood strong, denying any clear chances. For Ten Hag, who had guided Leverkusen to a convincing 4-0 win in the DFB-Pokal last week, this Bundesliga opener was a harsh reminder of the challenges ahead.

The Dutch coach now faces the task of regrouping quickly as Leverkusen prepare for their next league fixture, with fans hoping for a stronger response.