RB Leipzig have started the 2026/27 season with genuine purpose. A 3-0 home win over Borussia Moenchengladbach on matchday one signalled that new head coach Martin Demichelis has steadied the ship after a difficult pre-season that included losses to Bayern Munich and Leeds United. The result puts Leipzig fourth in the Bundesliga table with three points from their opening game.

The arrival of Christopher Nkunku on loan from AC Milan, with a purchase option reported at 28 million euros, gives the squad a proven match-winner. Nkunku scored 70 goals in his first spell at the club and shared the Bundesliga golden boot in 2022/23. His return addresses the gap left by Yan Diomande, who joined Real Madrid for 125 million euros after Juergen Klopp had been instrumental in bringing the teenager to Leipzig in the first place. Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff confirmed Klopp's role in that deal, noting his departure to become Germany head coach was painful but unavoidable.

Off the pitch, Leipzig's Champions League draw in Monaco handed them a demanding group that includes away trips to Real Madrid and Manchester United, with Manchester City and RC Lens visiting the Red Bull Arena. Sport director Marcel Schäfer said the club wants to make an impression in Europe, a competition they missed entirely last season. Reports also link Leipzig to Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich, who has been told he faces a reduced role under new Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez.

A trip to Werder Bremen on September 5 comes next, a test of whether last weekend's confidence was a sign of things to come.