Newly promoted Elversberg stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 on Saturday, marking their Bundesliga debut with a remarkable victory over the 2023/24 champions.
Playing in front of their home supporters at the Waldstadion an der Kaiserlinde, Elversberg made a dream start and took control before Leverkusen could settle into the contest.
Lukas Petkov opened the scoring after Edmond Tapsoba lost possession inside his own penalty area.
Francis Onyeka recovered the ball and found Petkov, who calmly placed his effort into the bottom corner.
Leverkusen were still reeling when another defensive error gifted the hosts a second goal less than a minute later.
Cole Campbell capitalised on a misplaced pass from Tapsoba before driving forward and producing an excellent finish.
The visitors struggled to create a response during a disappointing first half.
Aleix Garcia came closest when his free-kick took a deflection and struck the crossbar.
Elversberg continued their impressive display immediately after the restart, extending their advantage within the opening minute of the second half.
Petkov delivered a cross from the right, and David Mokwa got ahead of his marker to send a header into the far corner and make it 3-0.
Leverkusen finally began to find their rhythm but had to wait until the closing stages to make their pressure count. Patrik Schick pulled one back after diverting Ibrahim Maza’s effort into the net.
The visitors then gave themselves hope in stoppage time when Christian Kofane converted the rebound after Victor Boniface’s effort struck the crossbar.
Despite the late pressure, Leverkusen could not complete an unlikely comeback as Elversberg held on for a famous victory.
The result ended Leverkusen’s 20-match unbeaten run against promoted teams and handed Elversberg a memorable start to life in the Bundesliga.
Petkov was named the standout player after scoring once and playing a key role in Elversberg’s historic triumph.
