RB Leipzig are back with a statement. A 3-0 opening-day win over Borussia Moenchengladbach at the Red Bull Arena set the tone for a season that carries far greater ambition than the last, with the club returning to the Champions League after a year's absence.

The result puts Leipzig fourth in the Bundesliga table after one game, level on points with the teams around them, and it came with new head coach Martin Demichelis getting his tenure off to the best possible start. The win also reflected a squad that has been meaningfully strengthened. Christopher Nkunku has returned on loan from AC Milan, the former Bundesliga top scorer rejoining the club where he won two DFB-Pokals and scored 70 goals between 2019 and 2023. His arrival fills the gap left by Yan Diomande, who joined Real Madrid for a reported 125 million euros after Jürgen Klopp, during his time as Red Bull's global football chief, had personally recommended the teenager's 20-million-euro signing from CD Leganes.

The Champions League draw handed Leipzig a demanding group-stage schedule, with trips to Real Madrid and Manchester United among their away fixtures, while Manchester City and RC Lens visit the Red Bull Arena. Sport director Marcel Schäfer said the club wants to make an impact.

There is also transfer activity worth watching. Leipzig have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich, who has been told he faces a peripheral role under new Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez. No formal approach has been made yet, but the club has identified central midfield as an area needing depth.

Next up is a Bundesliga away trip to Werder Bremen on September 5, before a home clash with Leverkusen on September 20.