Hoffenheim Spoil Ten Hag’s Bundesliga Debut With Win At Leverkusen

Hoffenheim opened their season with an impressive 2-1 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Erik ten Hag’s Bundesliga debut as head coach, with goals from Fisnik Asllani and Tim Lemperle overturning Jarell Quansah’s early opener.

Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Hoffenheim
Goals: 0-1 Quansah 6′ (assist: Grimaldo), 1-1 Asllani 25′ (assist: Touré), 1-2 Lemperle 52′ (assist: Asllani)

The hosts nearly fell behind within two minutes when Lemperle struck the foot of Mark Flekken’s right-hand post.

Leverkusen responded quickly, though, taking the lead after six minutes when Bundesliga debutant Quansah powered home a downward header from Alejandro Grimaldo’s teasing free-kick.

Despite the setback, Hoffenheim continued to impress, dictating possession and creating better chances. Their persistence was rewarded in the 25th minute when Asllani rifled the ball past Flekken after Bazoumana Touré cleverly put the ball through Arthur’s legs and supplied a perfect pass into the six-yard box.

LEMPERLE STUNS THE BAYARENA
Both teams made changes at half-time, with Ernest Poku replacing Arthur for Leverkusen, while Hoffenheim’s Umut Tohumcu came on for the injured Wouter Burger.

The decisive moment arrived seven minutes after the restart. Baumann’s long ball wasn’t properly dealt with by the Leverkusen defence, allowing Asllani to cushion the ball back to Lemperle, who thundered a low shot beyond Flekken’s despairing dive.

The hosts tried to respond but struggled to create clear chances against Hoffenheim’s well-organised defensive unit. Their best opportunity came in the 79th minute when Nathan Tella met Grimaldo’s cross but could only find the side netting.

Ten Hag introduced summer signings Claudio Echeverri and Christian Kofane late on, but Hoffenheim held firm to secure a deserved victory.

Bundesliga.com