Hertha returns to Bundesliga in style

By foxsports
Published

Hertha Berlin went top of the embryonic Bundesliga in their first game following promotion with Sami Allagui and Adrian Ramos both grabbing braces in a crushing 6-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

John Brooks and Ronny also scored for Jos Luhukay's side, who made an ideal start to life back in the top flight. Alexander Meier scored a consolation for the Eagles from the penalty spot, but the preseason fears of their coach Armin Veh were confirmed in the capital as Hertha became the first promoted side to score six on the opening day of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen's new three-pronged attack inspired them to a fine 3-1 win over Freiburg.

Last season's Bundesliga top-scorer Stefan Kiessling put them in front before Mike Hanke opened his account for Freiburg just before the break. But Heung Min Son and Sidney Sam both struck early in the second half to halt Freiburg, who saw Jonathan Schmid have a penalty saved.

Hannover took the spoils in the Lower Saxony derby with Leon Andreasen and Szabolcs Huszti on target in a 2-0 win over Wolfsburg.

Andreasen put Mirko Slomka's men in front in the 17th minute, but they had to wait until six minutes from time before being able to celebrate as Huszti sealed the win against the nine-man Wolves. Maxilimilian Arnold and Timm Klose both received their marching orders for Dieter Hecking's side, who will need to show more discipline if they are to challenge for a place in Europe next season.

Hoffenheim threw away a two-goal lead in a fashion reminiscent of last season as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Nurnberg.

David Abraham and Anthony Modeste put Markus Gisdol's men two up while they also had a third goal ruled out. Two goals in three minutes from Mike Frantz and Daniel Ginczek then deprived them of victory and earned Nurnberg a point.

Eintracht Braunschweig were given a cruel welcome to the Bundesliga as they went down 1-0 to north German rivals Werder Bremen despite dominating for much of the game.

Eintracht's first season in the top flight for 28 years was promising enough until the 82nd minute, when Zlatko Junuzovic put the visitors in front. The goal, which came from a speculative long ball forward, silenced the Braunschweig fans who had been dreaming of a better Bundesliga debut, which their side probably deserved.