BERLIN: RB Leipzig spoiled hosts Union Berlin’s Bundesliga debut on Sunday, crushing the top division newcomers 4-0 with a performance that confirmed their pre-season title contenders tag.

Marcel Halstenberg fired home from 20 metres in the 17th minute and then pounced on a keeper error to set up Marcel Sabitzer for the visitors’ second goal in the 31st with only their second shot on target on a rain-drenched pitch in the capital.

Forward Timo Werner completed a fine combination with a powerful shot to send Leipzig into the break with a three-goal cushion. Substitute Christopher Nkunku tapped in from close range in the 69th for their fourth goal after the visitors also twice hit the woodwork.

Union, who lost only once at home in the second division last season, struggled with Leipzig’s pace throughout and were unable to mount any serious attacks of their own.

Earlier on Sunday, a Martin Hinteregger strike after 36 seconds was enough to see Eintracht Frankfurt to a narrow 1-0 victory over TSG Hoffenheim.

After winning an early corner in the opening 10 seconds, the Hoffenheim defence was caught off guard when Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada played it short to winger Filip Kostic, who curled it to the waiting Hinteregger who volleyed into the top of the net.

Kostic was a constant threat throughout for the home side, vindicating Frankfurt’s decision to make his loan deal permanent during the summer.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2019