Bundesliga opening day: Is Bayern Munich already without rivals? KIK BALL

Another Bundesliga season is underway, and once again Bayern Munich are the clear favourites to lift the trophy. As in recent years, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund entered the campaign aiming to disrupt the Bavarians’ dominance. However, both sides faltered on the opening weekend, a reminder of just how tough the challenge will be.

On Saturday, both the Werkself and the Black and Yellows failed to claim three points—unlike Bayern, who thrashed RB Leipzig 6–0 at the Allianz Arena on Friday. Erik ten Hag’s side were beaten, while Niko Kovac’s men had to settle for a draw.

For Bayern, even the much-maligned Serge Gnabry impressed against the Red Bulls—who had also been tipped as potential title contenders. But the emphatic defeat was a sobering reminder of the gulf in class.

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Bayer Leverkusen in transition

The reigning Bundesliga champions, having dethroned Bayern in 2023-24, are now entering a period of transition. With Xabi Alonso departing for Real Madrid after his historic spell in charge, Bayer Leverkusen have turned to former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to keep them competitive.

Amid a mix of departures and arrivals, Leverkusen started brightly against Hoffenheim, taking the lead after just five minutes through a Quansah header from a well-delivered Grimaldo free-kick. In fact, most of Werkself’s chances came from set-piece situations.

But even at the BayArena, Hoffenheim were unfazed and gradually grew into the game. Asllani levelled with a deflected strike inside the box, before Lemperle completed the turnaround with a powerful effort from just outside the area.

Borussia Dortmund at their most familiar

During the Jürgen Klopp era, Borussia Dortmund famously broke Bayern’s hold on German football. Yet since their 2011-12 title, they’ve been unable to repeat the feat—not for lack of ambition, but due to costly errors in decisive moments.

The 2022-23 season was a prime example. Dortmund only needed a final-day win to clinch the title but could only draw against Mainz, allowing Bayern to snatch the crown once more.

That frustrating trend has become a hallmark of Dortmund’s modern history—and it resurfaced on the opening weekend. Away at St. Pauli, Dortmund let a two-goal lead slip in a dramatic 3–3 draw at the Millerntor-Stadion.

Leading comfortably until the 85th minute, their fortunes turned when Filippo Mane conceded a penalty and received a red card. With the numerical advantage, the hosts—nicknamed the Pirates—mounted a late comeback to snatch a point.

This article was originally published on Trivela.

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