Bayer Leverkusen moved top of the Bundesliga table Sunday, but needed an own goal to eke out a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt as the record heat wave continued in Germany.
After two rounds this season, Leverkusen is the only Bundesliga side with an unblemished record, a big turnaround from last year's disastrous season when the club fought relegation.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Only twice has Leverkusen started with two wins and both seasons it ended second in the table. Bernd Schneider scored in the 51st and Frankfurt midfielder Geri Cipi accidentally redirected a cross with his hand into the goal in the 84th to give away the match for Frankfurt, which outplayed Leverkusen.
PHOTO: AP
"We walked off as winner. That's what counts at the moment -- but we have a lot to work on," said Leverkusen coach Klaus Augenthaler, who is now 4-0 with the club since last season.
After Saturday was the hottest day of play ever recorded in Germany, temperatures again soared to 40? C in Frankfurt.
Sometimes the players appeared sluggish and in slow motion.
Nico Frommer chipped in over the 'keeper to put Frankfurt ahead 1-0 just three minutes before the break but it was not enough to stop the side up from the second division from losing twice.
Stuttgart could only earn a 0-0 draw against Hertha Berlin, despite appearing to have all the advantages playing at home in 37,700 at home in Gottlieb-Daimler stadium.
The visitors were missing star Marcelhino and were down to 10 men after the 81st minute when forward Artur Wichnariak was sent packing for standing up too slowly after a foul.
Berlin was saved when 'keeper Gabor Kiraly leaped high to slap away a powerful shot from the center by Fernando Meira in the 84th. Still, the capital club wasted several chances, especially from forwards Fredi Bobic and Wichnariak.
Stuttgart nonetheless has kicked off the season with a win and draw.
Last season it failed to win until its fifth match.
"We're doing fine. With four points we're on the right way," said coach Felix Magath, whose squad will soon face the double duty of the Bundesliga.
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