- The Bayer series is level with Leipzig; both VfB and BVB are also at a stalemate with a tie.
Bayer Leverkusen's Historic Loss in Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen, the current Bundesliga champions and cup holders, experienced their first loss in 35 games, falling 2:3 (2:1) at home to RB Leipzig despite having a 2:0 lead. Jeremie Frimpong (39') and Alejandro Grimaldo (45+7') scores initially for the hosts, but Kevin Kampl (45+7') and Lois Openda (57', 80') turned the game around with two goals in the second half. RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose was sent off for questioning the referee in the 26th minute. His team now tops the league standings with six points.
VfB Stuttgart's Inauspicious Bundesliga Beginning
VfB Stuttgart, last year's vice-champions, endured a disappointing start in the Bundesliga, drawing 3:3 (2:1) at home against FSV Mainz 05 after taking a 2:0 and 3:2 lead. Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund also settled for a point, finishing 0:0 against Werder Bremen. Bundesliga debutant Holstein Kiel lost its first home game 0:2 (0:2) to VfL Wolfsburg and remains pointless. Eintracht Frankfurt won 3:1 (2:0) against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, while Borussia Mönchengladbach triumphed 2:0 (0:0) at VfL Bochum.
Memorials for Lemke and Daum
Fans in Bremen and Stuttgart honored two esteemed Bundesliga veterans. Werder Bremen fans honored the memory of Wille Lemke before the match with a large choreography displaying "Unforgotten, Willi Lemke," and players wore special jerseys with "Thank you, Willi" patches. Lemke, who coached Werder Bremen from 1981 to 1999, passed away on August 12 at 77. Meanwhile, VfB Stuttgart fans paid tribute to their late coach Christoph Daum, who passed away on August 24 following a long illness.
VfB Stuttgart's Back-and-Forth Battle
VfB Stuttgart fans had reasons to cheer early, as Enzo Millot (8') and Jamie Leweling (15') scored rapid goals. However, Mainz drew level through a controversial penalty by Nadiem Amiri (43'). In the second half, Jonathan Burkardt (62') equalized for Mainz, and the game ended in a flurry of late goals. Fabian Rieder (88') put Stuttgart back ahead, but Maxim Leitsch (90+4') equalized again for Mainz.
BVB Faces Challenges in Bremen
Bremen proved challenging for Borussia Dortmund, who failed to score. To compound their problems, Nico Schlotterbeck was shown a red card for continued fouling in the 73rd minute.
Kiel's Home Debut Disappointment
Holstein Kiel's inaugural Bundesliga home game resulted in a 0:2 (0:2) defeat against VfL Wolfsburg. Maximilian Arnold (27') and Sebastiaan Bornauw (30') scored for Wolfsburg, who had earlier relinquished a 2:1 lead against Bayern Munich. Kiel and fellow promoted side FC St. Pauli, who lost 0:1 against Union Berlin earlier in the week, still have no points.
Eintracht Frankfurt Wins with Precise Counter-Attacks
Eintracht Frankfurt claimed a deserved 3:1 (2:0) home win over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim with accurate counter-attacks. Hugo Ekitike (24') and Hugo Larsson (33') scored for Frankfurt, with Omar Marmoush playing a significant role in both goals. Marmoush, who has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, even completed the scoring with Frankfurt's third goal (56'). André Kramaric (54') temporarily leveled for Hoffenheim, bringing his season tally to four goals.
In Bochum, there was a reunion with Kevin Stöger, who played a key role in VfL's survival last season. The Austrian, who joined Gladbach as a free agent during the summer, also contributed to the opening goal for Tim Kleindienst (67'). Franck Honorat sealed the victory for Gladbach (78.).
Despite Bayer Leverkusen's dominance in recent games, they suffered a shocking loss to RB Leipzig, with the latter now leading the Bundesliga standings. RB Leipzig's victory over Bayer Leverkusen, who were previously unbeaten in 35 games, demonstrates that every team in the Bundesliga is capable of causing an upset.
