VfB Stuttgart defeated FSV Mainz 05 2:1, despite a medical emergency involving a fan. Bayer Leverkusen won 2:0 against SC Freiburg and remains unbeaten. Both teams solidify their positions in the Bundesliga's top group.
On the 8th matchday of the Bundesliga, Sunday brought two key wins for the top teams. VfB Stuttgart overcame FSV Mainz 05 2:1 (0:1) in front of 59,000 spectators. The first half was paused for over 20 minutes due to a medical emergency with a Mainz fan. After resuscitation, the fan was stabilized and taken to the hospital, as the club announced via X. Nadiem Amiri scored a penalty for Mainz's lead shortly after the all-clear (41st minute). Chris Führich equalized impressively (45+4), and Deniz Undav sealed the win (80th). Coach Sebastian Hoeneß rotated with ten new starters and returned his team to third place. Mainz remains on 16th with four points, still awaiting their second seasonal victory.
Bayer Leverkusen, under coach Kasper Hjulmand, defeated SC Freiburg 2:0 (1:0) before 30,210 fans in the sold-out stadium. Ernest Poku scored from distance for 1:0 (22nd), and Edmond Tapsoba headed in 2:0 (52nd). Freiburg started strongly, but goalkeeper Noah Atubolu saved a free kick from Alejandro Grimaldo (17th). Philipp Lienhart received a yellow-red card in the 74th minute for fouling Ibrahim Maza, leaving the visitors short-handed. Leverkusen stays unbeaten in the league since Hjulmand's appointment and now has 17 points, level with Borussia Dortmund in third. Freiburg suffered their first loss after five unbeaten games and sits 11th with nine points.
Both winners are in the tight top group, with just two points between second and fifth. The teams will rematch on Wednesday in the DFB-Pokal second round: Stuttgart at Mainz.