Leverkusen’s new signings seal intense opening win over Leipzig

Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga opener on 23 August 2026, with goals from Cornelia Kramer (55’) and Maja Sternad (63’) after a tightly contested first half. Both sides started aggressively, limiting each other's space, but Leverkusen's new signings eventually broke the deadlock.

Early intensity and defensive shape

Both teams entered the Bundesliga‑Auftakt (Stand: 23.08.2026) with high intensity in the Match, giving the Gegnerinnen little Raum for Spielentwicklung. RB Leipzig, the previous season’s 10th‑place finish, initially held the Favoritinnen from Bayer Leverkusen, and the first dangerous scene arrived in the 13th minute when Vanessa Fudalla’s shot was deflected onto the Latte. Bayer presented souverän with many Neuzugängen, and in the 25th minute Maja Sternad intercepted the ball, passed to Cornelia Kramer, whose strike was saved by Leipzig keeper Elvira Herzog, while Therese Simonsson later rattled a cross‑bar before the halftime Pfiff.

First‑half chances

The early exchanges left the score level, as both sides defended almost fehlerfrei and struggled to create a decisive Tor. Leipzig’s defence limited Leverkusen’s Raum, but the guests kept pressing, generating a second chance that also hit the cross‑bar. The teams went into the break with the ball circulating but no Tore.

Second‑half dominance

After the break Leverkusen increased the Gas, dominating the midfield and dictating the Art of play. The Rheinländerinnen held 75 % possession, while Leipzig managed only four Schüsse, showing the growing gap between the sides.

First goal

In the 55th minute the first Tor arrived: Fudalla supplied Sofie Zdebel, who threaded the ball to Cornelia Kramer, whose finish left Herzog helpless. Simon, in her Einstand as Bayer‑Kapitänin, organised the build‑up, moving from left‑back to midfield to support Marlene Müller.

Second goal and closing phase

Seven minutes later, in a curious Art, a deflected ball from Kramer rose to Herzog, who failed to collect it, allowing Maja Sternad to head the ball over the line for the second Tor. Both Tore came within eight minutes, and substitute Nikée van Dijk’s effort hit the Pfosten in the 79th minute, cementing Leverkusen’s lead.

After‑match view

Die Partie ended with a deserved 2‑0 victory on the Bundesligaspieltag, and Beide Teams demonstrated potential for a spannungsgeladene Saison 26/27, with Leverkusen eyeing a first‑time qualification for an international competition. Carolin Simon, the prominent new signing from FC Bayern, took over the Kapitänin duties for the Team. Bayer will host VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday, 30 August, with kickoff at 16:00.