Erik Ten Hag's Bayer Leverkusen Debut Ends in Shocking 5-1 Defeat to Flamengo U20s

Erik ten Hag's first match as Bayer Leverkusen manager turned into a nightmare as his team suffered a humiliating 5-1 loss to Flamengo's U20 side despite being heavy favorites.

By Chris Posiano

July 19, 2025 at 1:37 AM

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Erik ten Hag’s highly anticipated debut as Bayer Leverkusen manager ended in disaster as his squad was thrashed 5-1 by Flamengo’s U20 team in a pre-season friendly. Despite being overwhelming 1/100 favorites to win, Leverkusen were outclassed by the Brazilian youth side in a match that left the German giants reeling.

The Dutch manager, who was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after a dismal start to the Premier League season, took charge of Leverkusen in May 2025 following Xabi Alonso’s departure. However, his first game at the helm was far from the fresh start he had hoped for. Leverkusen traveled to Brazil for the match, but their senior stars were no match for Flamengo’s young talents.

Ten Hag fielded a strong starting XI, including notable players like Mark Flekken, Jonas Hoffman, and Victor Boniface, but the team quickly fell behind. Flamengo took the lead in the second minute and doubled their advantage by the 10th. Leverkusen’s struggles continued as they conceded two more goals before halftime, leaving the scoreline at 4-0.

Despite making several substitutions, including bringing on Bundesliga champions Granit Xhaka and Alex Grimaldo, Leverkusen failed to turn the tide. Flamengo added a fifth goal early in the second half, and while youngster Montrell Culbreath managed to pull one back for Leverkusen in the 71st minute, it was too little, too late.

Ten Hag’s decision to make 13 changes during the match highlighted his desperation, but it did little to salvage the result. The defeat marks a worrying start to his tenure at Leverkusen, who lost key players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong in the transfer window. The team’s next match is against Bochum in nine days, offering Ten Hag a chance to regroup and prove his managerial credentials.

Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United ended with mixed results, including a Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumph but a poor league record. His Leverkusen debut has raised questions about his ability to lead the German side, and fans will be hoping for a swift turnaround as the season approaches.