Promoted SV Elversberg defeat Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 in Bundesliga debut
Bundesliga newcomers SV Elversberg secured a 3-2 victory against 2024 champions Bayer Leverkusen in their top-flight debut before 9,307 spectators in Saarland.
Early goals establish Elversberg lead
SV Elversberg opened their first Bundesliga season with a 3-2 victory over 2024 champions Bayer Leverkusen at their home ground before 9,307 spectators. Lukas Petkov opened the scoring in the eighth minute, and Cole Campbell doubled the advantage in the ninth minute after seizing on a misplaced pass from Leverkusen captain Edmond Tapsoba. According to statistics provider Opta, no debutant club had previously scored twice within the opening nine minutes of a Bundesliga premiere.
David Mokwa Ntusu scored Elversberg's third goal in the 46th minute, converting a low cross from the right flank past defender Loïc Badé less than 30 seconds into the second half.
- Lukas Petkov opens the scoring for SV Elversberg
- Cole Campbell doubles the lead following an Edmond Tapsoba turnover
- David Mokwa Ntusu scores third goal for Elversberg
- Patrik Schick scores Leverkusen first goal with a backheel finish
- Christian Kofane scores second goal for Leverkusen
Leverkusen reaction and late comeback bid
Leverkusen, who spent 99 million euros on new signings during the summer transfer window, controlled nearly 70 percent of possession in the first half but failed to record a shot on target before the interval. Patrik Schick scored with a backheel in the 77th minute on Leverkusen's first shot on target, and substitute Christian Kofane added a second goal in the 91st minute to narrow the deficit.
Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken criticized his team's focus and tactical execution following the defeat.
A lot was missing today. There was a lack of mental capacity, a lack of energy, and a lack of game understanding.
Leverkusen manager Carles Martínez congratulated Elversberg while rejecting claims that his squad was mentally unprepared for the promoted side.
They play very well. I was not surprised by that, we expected it. Of course we have to learn from this, open our eyes and do much, much better.
Infrastructure challenges at Germany's smallest venue
Elversberg entered the top division as the 59th club in Bundesliga history, representing the municipality of Spiesen-Elversberg with a population of 13,000 in the Saarland region. The club secured promotion after scoring 64 goals in 34 games in the 2. Bundesliga, boasting the division's top attack before defeating French Ligue 1 sides Lorient and Strasbourg in pre-season friendlies.
The club's home ground remains under construction, requiring teams to use a temporary container village for dressing rooms, while administrative offices and training pitches operate in neighbouring St. Ingbert. Club president Dominik and his father manage the team alongside their corporate business, which generates approximately 350 million euros in annual revenue and serves as the stadium and shirt sponsor. Elversberg coach Vincent Wagner had previously referred to the club's transition into the Bundesliga as a journey to Mars.
Bundesliga opening weekend results
In other Saturday fixtures, RB Leipzig earned a 3-0 victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach in manager Martín Demichelis's debut. Ridle Baku opened the scoring, Antonio Nusa scored early in the second half, and substitute Christopher Nkunku assisted Rocco Reitz two minutes after coming onto the pitch.
Elsewhere, 1. FC Köln came from behind twice to beat TSG Hoffenheim 3-2, with substitute Thijs Dallinga scoring two goals and Said El Mala adding a solo effort. Union Berlin recovered from a 3-1 deficit to draw 3-3 with Eintracht Frankfurt, with Tim Skarke equalizing in the 93rd minute after Younes Ebnoutalib scored a hat-trick for the visitors. Mainz and promoted SC Paderborn played out a 0-0 draw, while Bayern Munich defeated Stuttgart 5-1 on Friday evening.
