European football: Elversberg stun Leverkusen in dream Bundesliga debut
Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg marked their top-flight debut with a remarkable 3-2 home win over Bayer Leverkusen, the unbeaten 2023-24 champions. The result is significant both as an early upset and because Elversberg, a town of 13,000, is the smallest settlement ever to host Bundesliga football.
Lukas Petkov and Cole Campbell put Elversberg two goals ahead inside 10 minutes, before David Mokwa made it 3-0 early in the second half; late goals from Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane only reduced the deficit. Elsewhere, RB Leipzig beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 as returning forward Christopher Nkunku assisted Rocco Reitz, Union Berlin drew 3-3 with Eintracht Frankfurt, Strasbourg beat Lens 2-1, and Levante defeated Real Betis 5-2.
- Elversberg beat former Bundesliga champions Leverkusen 3-2.
- The victory came in Elversberg’s first top-flight match.
- Leipzig, Strasbourg and Levante also recorded notable wins.
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