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.