Bayer Leverkusen have started the new Bundesliga campaign by coming from behind to beat Hoffenheim 2-1 at the BayArena.
It was the perfect start for Hoffenheim as they broke the deadlock in just the fifth minute through Steven Zuber, who timed his run to collect a pass from Eugen Polanski before firing past a helpless Bernd Leno.
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Leverkusen responded well to the early setback, but they were denied what looked to be a certain equaliser when Niklas Sule dived in the way of a Stefan Kiessling effort.
Oliver Baumann was soon involved in the action as he kept out a Kyriakos Papadopoulos header before charging out to block Hakan Calhanoglu's strike from a few yards out.
However, the Hoffenheim goalkeeper may have felt that he could have done better just before the break when he pushed Wendell's shot straight to Kiessling, who capitalised to tap in the equaliser.
Kevin Volland came agonisingly close to regaining the lead for Hoffenheim when his long-range strike flew over the crossbar by a few inches early in the second half, but Leverkusen were soon in control as they started to dictate the tempo.
Roger Schmidt's side appeared to waste their best chance of finding a winner when Kiessling controlled a difficult pass in the box, only to send a wild shot over the crossbar.
The long spells on top would finally bring reward with less than 20 minutes remaining when Admir Mehmedi led an attack before picking out Brandt, who found the top corner.
Hoffenheim's challenge faded in the closing stages after falling behind, and only a fine stop from Baumann prevented Kiessling from doubling his tally with a header at the near post.
Callum Mulvihill
