Leverkusen Rout Union, Dortmund Edge Thriller as Bundesliga Returns

Bayer Leverkusen set the tone for the day with a commanding 4-0 demolition of 1. FC Union Berlin at the BayArena, a result that underlines their credentials as genuine title contenders once again. Union, who have found life in the top flight increasingly difficult, were overrun from the outset and left Leverkusen with nothing to show for their efforts.

The match of the afternoon came at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, where Borussia Dortmund edged TSG Hoffenheim 3-2 in a pulsating contest. BVB's ability to grind out results in tight, high-scoring affairs will encourage their supporters as they look to mount a serious challenge to the summit. Hoffenheim, for all their attacking intent, were left empty-handed on home soil.

Perhaps the most startling result of the day came at BORUSSIA-PARK, where SV Elversberg stunned Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-3 in Mönchengladbach. The visitors, who secured promotion to the Bundesliga only recently, showed they have no intention of playing the role of makeweights, picking apart a Gladbach side that will need to tighten up considerably if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Werder Bremen enjoyed a confident 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig at the Weserstadion, a result that will raise eyebrows given Leipzig's customary position near the top of the table. Bremen were clinical and resolute, while Leipzig look short of the ruthlessness that has defined their best campaigns. In Gelsenkirchen, Schalke 04 held Bayern Munich to a goalless draw at the Veltins Arena, a point that will feel enormous for the home side and somewhat frustrating for the Bavarian giants. Rounding out the day, SC Freiburg edged SC Paderborn 07 1-0 in Paderborn to continue their steady start to the campaign.