Bayer Leverkusen loses at home: Hoffenheim surprises with comeback in Bundesliga debut
Bayer Leverkusen began the 2025/26 Bundesliga season with a setback, losing 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday (23). Despite an early lead through new signing Jarell Quansah, the visitors responded with goals from Asllani and Lemperle to secure all three points at the BayArena.
Quansah gives fans hope
The home crowd erupted in the 15th minute when Álex Grimaldo delivered a precise free kick that found Quansah, who headed past the goalkeeper to open the scoring on his competitive debut for Leverkusen.
Hoffenheim strikes back
Leverkusen’s joy was short-lived. Just minutes later, Touré created space on the wing and set up Asllani, who calmly slotted in the equalizer. From that moment, Hoffenheim grew in confidence, while Xabi Alonso’s men struggled to regain control before halftime.
Second-half collapse
The decisive blow came early in the second half. Hoffenheim’s Lemperle unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, beating goalkeeper Hrádecký and silencing the BayArena. Leverkusen pressed for an equalizer, but their attack lacked sharpness, and the absence of key departures Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz both sold to Liverpool was evident.
Even with the introduction of young Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri, recently signed from Manchester City, the Werkself failed to find a way back.
Early warning for Leverkusen
The defeat leaves Leverkusen at the bottom of the standings after the opening round, while Hoffenheim start the season with a valuable away win and three points.
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