Stuttgart experiences financial collapse in their initial league appearance
Julian Schuster has an impressive start as SC Freiburg's coach, defeating VfB Stuttgart, the Bundesliga's runner-ups, in their season opener, while RB Leipzig narrowly wins against VfL Bochum. Debutant Holstein Kiel manages to score twice but still falls short.
RB Leipzig - VfL Bochum 1:0 (0:0)
Antonio Nusa, RB Leipzig's new promising talent, made a remarkable debut in the Bundesliga, securing a 1:0 (0:0) victory for Leipzig against VfL Bochum. The youngster scored the winning goal with his first shot on target, crushing expectations of an easy win against last season's near-relegated team.
VfL Bochum, under new coach Peter Zeidler, struggled offensively and kept Leipzig on their toes with a solid defense. After Leipzig captain Willi Orban was sent off for committing a professional foul (84'), Bochum stepped up their effort to secure an equalizer but fell short.
SC Freiburg - VfB Stuttgart 3:1 (1:1)
Stuttgart suffered a disappointing start to the season, losing 1:3 (1:1) to SC Freiburg in the Baden-Württemberg derby. Julian Schuster, the new Freiburg coach, saw a successful debut. Freiburg, who had changed coaches after 13 years with Christian Streich, managed to secure their first win against Stuttgart since their two defeats in the previous season.
Stuttgart struggled with fluidity following a summer overhaul. Ermedin Demirovic, Freiburg's leading scorer, scored the early lead (2), but Lukas Kübler's brace (26', 61') and Ritsu Doan's goal (54') swung the momentum in Freiburg's favor. Freiburg managed to win against their southwestern rivals for the first time since their 2019 season opener and avoided a series of opening-day losses since 2018.
1. FSV Mainz 05 - 1. FC Union Berlin 1:1 (0:0)
Bo Svensson's Union Berlin team managed to secure a draw against Mainz, whose coach was Returning Svensson, in a 1:1 (0:0) scoreline. Mainz's lead through Nadiem Amiri's free-kick (53') was surpassed by Laszlo Benes' equalizer (75'). Both teams managed to steer clear of a negative start, having both secured their survival at the end of the previous season.
Mainz's unbeaten home series reached nine consecutive Bundesliga games while remaining winless against Union Berlin since their promotion in 2019.
FC Augsburg - Werder Bremen 2:2 (2:1)
Augsburg's first home game ended in a draw against Werder Bremen, leaving them disappointed despite their restructured team under new coach Jess Thorup. Augsburg failed to win their 14th consecutive home opener. The scorching heat led to a challenging game, but they couldn't prevail.
Notable in Augsburg were two notable new signings. Nediljko Labrovic, their goalkeeper, looked unfortunate in allowing Felix Agu's opening goal for Bremen (12), but later made a series of impressive saves. Samuel Essende, signed from FC Vizela, turned the game around with a stunning goal (35). Despite Bremen's relentless efforts, an equalizer from Justin Njinmah (58.) secured a draw.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - Holstein Kiel 3:2 (2:0)
Holstein Kiel's debut in the top flight didn't go as planned, as they lost 2:3 (0:2) to crisis-ridden TSG Hoffenheim. Andrej Kramaric, a prolific scorer for Hoffenheim, netted a hat-trick with penalties, headers, and a shots from open play.
While Alexander Bernhardsson scored a first Bundesliga goal for Kiel (63'), and Shuto Machino equalized (89'), it wasn't enough to secure a victory. Andu Kelati, a substitute, saw a second yellow card (82) due to repeated fouls, adding to Kiel's misfortune.
The home game was disrupted by a feud between the club and some fans. Club officials claimed that two ultra groups had declared "war" on the club in response to the dismissal of sporting director Alexander Rosen at the end of July. The club feared a deliberate game abandonment.
For most of the game, banners criticizing the club's management were visible in the fan section. "Self-destruction has been initiated," one banner read, while supporters offered a mood boycott, with the team not being cheered on.
SC Freiburg's dominance continues
SC Freiburg continues their impressive form under Julian Schuster, as they secure another victory. This time, they defeat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 (1-1), extending their unbeaten run.
Stuttgart struggles against Freiburg's momentum
Despite their struggles, VfB Stuttgart cannot break SC Freiburg's dominance. Even in their next match against Bayern Munich, Stuttgart fails to get a win, losing 2-1 (0-0). Freiburg's strong start under Schuster leaves a lasting impact on the Bundesliga.
