Ten Hag loses first Bundesliga match as Leverkusen boss

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Former Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham made his Bundesliga debut for Dortmund but was withdrawn at half-time.

(BBC Sport)

READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE