Article body analysed
Erik ten Hag became Bayer Leverkusen boss after signing a two-year contract in May Erik ten Hag lost his first Bundesliga match as Bayer Leverkusen manager despite former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah giving his side an early lead against Hoffenheim. Quansah, who signed from the Reds last month in a £35m deal, headed into the bottom corner from Alejandro Grimaldo's curling free-kick six minutes into his Bundesliga debut. Fisnik Asllani beat home goalkeeper Mark Flekken at his near post, thumping home the equaliser for Hoffenheim before turning provider as Tim Lemperle's low finish clinched victory for Christian Ilzer's side. Grimaldo had a shot deflected and Nathan Tella's first-time effort hit the side as Leverkusen fell to a season-opening defeat. Leverkusen finished second last season, 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund drew their league opener away at St Pauli in a six-goal thriller. Serhou Guirassy headed in from Marcel Sabitzer's cross to give Dortmund the lead before missing a penalty five minutes later when Karim Adeyemi was fouled in the box. Andreas Hountondji equalised five minutes after the break, heading past Gregor Kobel. Waldemar Anton's deflected strike put Dortmund back in front and Julian Brandt further increased their lead with 16 minutes remaining. Niko Kovacic's side were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when Filippo Mane pulled down Abdoulie Ceesay in the box. Danel Sinani converted the resulting penalty and Eric Smith drilled a shot into the far corner as the home side came from behind to salvage a point. Former Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham made his Bundesliga debut for Dortmund but was withdrawn at half-time. Who could be Bundesliga's new stars? Last Updated 23rd August 2025 at 20: 54 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Erik ten Hag Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1 Manager: Christian Ilzer Formation: 4 - 3 - 3 Manager: Erik ten Hag Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1 Manager: Christian Ilzer Formation: 4 - 3 - 3 Bundesliga All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1, TSG Hoffenheim 2. Second Half ends, Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1, TSG Hoffenheim 2. Attempt missed. Piero Hincapié (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) left footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Álex Grimaldo. Attempt blocked. Fisnik Asllani (TSG Hoffenheim) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Leon Avdullahu. Fourth official has announced 5 minutes of added time. Substitution, TSG Hoffenheim. Grischa Prömel replaces Vladimír Coufal because of an injury. Substitution, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Christian Kofane replaces Nathan Tella. Substitution, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Claudio Echeverri replaces Ibrahim Maza. Umut Tohumcu (TSG Hoffenheim) is shown the yellow card. Attempt missed. Umut Tohumcu (TSG Hoffenheim) left footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left following a corner. Corner, TSG Hoffenheim. Conceded by Jarell Quansah. Foul by Álex Grimaldo (Bayer 04 Leverkusen). Umut Tohumcu (TSG Hoffenheim) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt saved. Andrej Kramaric (TSG Hoffenheim) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner by Mark Flekken (Bayer 04 Leverkusen). Assisted by Alexander Prass. Foul by Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer 04 Leverkusen). Alexander Prass (TSG Hoffenheim) wins a free kick on the right wing. Attempt missed. Nathan Tella (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Álex Grimaldo with a cross. Nathan Tella (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Alexander Prass (TSG Hoffenheim). Substitution, TSG Hoffenheim. Kevin Akpoguma replaces Robin Hranác. Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.