Hoffenheim Defeats Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in Ten Hag Bundesliga Debut

Erik ten Hag's Bundesliga debut as Bayer Leverkusen head coach ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim, highlighting the challenges in rebuilding the team after significant summer departures. Leverkusen took an early lead through Jarell Quansah, who scored on his Bundesliga debut, but Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani equalized before assisting Tim Lemperle's winning goal early in the second half. Despite Leverkusen's efforts, including a late chance by Nathan Tella, they failed to find an equalizer, marking their fourth league game without a win. Ten Hag fielded three new signings, but the defense struggled notably, especially against Hoffenheim's opportunistic attacking play. Hoffenheim, who had lost their previous five Bundesliga matches against Leverkusen, capitalized on the visitors' defensive errors and managed a crucial away victory to start their season positively. The match underscored the extent of change at Leverkusen and the uphill task facing Ten Hag in restoring the club's former consistency.