The Bundesliga kicked off its new season with Bayer Leverkusen defeating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-2, marking a thrilling start to their title defense. Granit Xhaka opened the scoring with a stunning long-range goal in the 12th minute, reminiscent of his last season's cup-winning strike. Florian Wirtz secured the win with a late goal after a penalty decision in stoppage time, ensuring Leverkusen extended their unbeaten league run to 35 games. Nico Elvedi and Tim Kleindienst scored for Gladbach, leveling the match before Wirtz's decisive moment. Xhaka's performance was particularly noted as he refrained from celebrating against his former club, showcasing his respect for Gladbach. This match not only demonstrated Leverkusen's resilience but also highlighted Xhaka's significant impact in the Bundesliga after his transfer from Arsenal.