Erik ten Hag's new era at Bayern Munich got off to the worst possible start on Saturday evening, albeit from the sidelines, as the team he left behind, Bayer Leverkusen, were sensationally beaten 3-2 by Hoffenheim in a Bundesliga classic.
The match, a gripping tactical battle between new Leverkusen boss Daniele De Rossi and Hoffenheim's Pellegrino Matarazzo, delivered a whirlwind of emotions and a result that sent shockwaves through German football.
De Rossi's Debut Delight Turns to Despair
The home side at the BayArena initially seemed to be riding a wave of optimism under their new Italian manager. The electrifying Florian Wirtz ignited the crowd, putting Leverkusen ahead with a moment of individual brilliance. The lead was swiftly doubled by the prolific Victor Boniface, who powered home a header to suggest a comfortable victory was on the cards.
However, the script was flipped dramatically after the half-time break. Hoffenheim emerged with renewed vigour and tactical discipline, completely stifling Leverkusen's attacking flow.
Hoffenheim's Stunning Second-Half Comeback
The comeback began with a well-worked team goal finished by Maximilian Beier, injecting belief into the visiting side. The momentum shifted entirely when Ihlas Bebou capitalised on a defensive error to slot home a devastating equaliser, silencing the home supporters.
The winner, a moment of pure agony for Leverkusen and sheer ecstasy for Hoffenheim, came from an unlikely source. Midfielder Tom Bischof arrived late in the box to thunder a decisive strike past a helpless Lukas Hradecky, completing a remarkable turnaround.
The result leaves massive questions for Daniele De Rossi to answer, as his team's second-half capitulation will be a major cause for concern. For Ten Hag, watching on, it was a stark reminder of the intense pressure and relentless competition that defines the Bundesliga.
