DORTMUND, Germany (Interstat) — Bayer Leverkusen opened its Bundesliga title defense with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, April 11, 2026, silencing a sold-out Signal Iduna Park and defying pregame projections that heavily favored the hosts.

The match, a marquee fixture on the opening weekend of the German top-flight season, was decided by a single goal from substitute Robert Andrich just before halftime, handing new Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin a defeat in his first competitive match in charge.

The game began with Dortmund applying early pressure, but Leverkusen’s defense, organized from the start, quickly established control. The visitors’ resolve was tested when defender Rami Bensebaïni received a yellow card in just the 5th minute for a tactical foul to halt a Dortmund counter. However, that early booking did not deter the Algerian, who would later play a crucial role.

Against the run of statistical expectation, Leverkusen struck in the 42nd minute. The goal originated from a swift attacking move, with forward Serhou Guirassy receiving the ball in midfield and finding the run of Maximilian Beier down the left flank. Beier, who also picked up a yellow card later in the contest, delivered a first-time, low cross into the Dortmund penalty area. Bensebaïni, arriving late from his defensive post, showed impressive composure to dummy the ball, letting it run through to the onrushing Andrich. The German midfielder, who had entered the match as a substitute, finished calmly from close range to give the visitors a lead they would not relinquish.

The goal contradicted the pregame analytics from Interstat, whose simulator had projected a 1-1 draw and whose ELO rating system gave Dortmund an 80.7 percent probability of winning the match.

Dortmund emerged for the second half with increased urgency but struggled to break down a resolute Leverkusen block. The hosts’ frustrations grew, exemplified by Guirassy, the Leverkusen forward, earning a yellow card in the 45th minute for a challenge following his assist on the goal.

Leverkusen managed the game expertly in the second half, limiting Dortmund to few clear chances and controlling the tempo. Dortmund’s attacks often broke down in the final third against a well-drilled defensive unit. The final whistle confirmed a statement victory for the reigning champions and a sobering start for Dortmund.

With the result, Bayer Leverkusen begins its Bundesliga campaign with a record of 1 win and 0 losses, while also moving to 1-0 across all competitions this season. Borussia Dortmund starts 0-1 in both the Bundesliga and overall for the 2026-27 campaign. Leverkusen will carry the momentum and three points from this significant away victory into its next fixture, while Dortmund is left to regroup after a disappointing home opener where pregame promise translated to little on the scoreboard.