At the BayArena on the evening of 23/8, Leverkusen started brightly. In the 6th minute, new center-back Jarell Quansah, signed from Liverpool, headed in the opening goal. However, last season's Bundesliga runners-up soon lost control to their opponents, who finished fourth from bottom last season. Hoffenheim consistently pressured Leverkusen with dynamic combinations and effective transitions.

In the 25th minute, following a through ball down the left flank, Fisnik Asllani's shot towards the near post took a slight deflection off Quansah, leveling the score for the visitors.

Coach Ten Hag on the sidelines during Leverkusen's 1-2 defeat to Hoffenheim on the evening of 23/8. Photo: AFP

Coach Ten Hag on the sidelines during Leverkusen's 1-2 defeat to Hoffenheim on the evening of 23/8. Photo: AFP

After the equalizer, Hoffenheim continued to attack effectively. Despite only 40% possession, they managed 10 shots with five on target, while Leverkusen only had seven shots with two on target.

In the 52nd minute, Tim Lemperle's low drive from 25 meters dipped beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mark Flekken, sealing a 2-1 victory for Hoffenheim.

Ten Hag took charge of Leverkusen in July, returning to management for the first time since being sacked by Man Utd earlier in the 2024-2025 season. He previously won two Dutch league titles with Ajax, and the League Cup and FA Cup with Man Utd.

In the past two seasons under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen won the Bundesliga, the 2023-2024 German Cup, the 2024 German Super Cup, and finished second in the 2024-2025 Bundesliga. Alonso left for Real Madrid in May to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

Thanh Quy