Berlin (AFP)

Germany's runner-up Leipzig was trapped 1-0 at Mainz on Sunday for their first Bundesliga game of the season, orphaned by one of their greatest glories, legendary striker Gerd Müller, who died in the age of 75.

A minute of silence was observed before the penultimate match of this first day, with a photo of Müller broadcast on the giant screens of the stadium.

Very quickly after the announcement of the death of the "Bomber der Nation" early Sunday afternoon by Bayern Munich, with whom he won three C1, tributes poured in to honor his memory.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer praised the "greatest striker there has ever been", ex-England glory Gary Lineker said he "learned a lot by watching him play", while the former goalkeeper Mannschaft Oliver Kahn said that "his performance remains unmatched".

West Germany striker Gerd Müller scores the second goal despite Dutch defender Rudi Krol in the World Cup final on July 7, 1974 in Munich STAFF AFP / Archives

Leipzig, runner-up to Bayern last season, where ex-coach Julian Nagelsmann now officiates, missed his league debut, chasing the entire game after the score after conceding an early goal.

Following a corner kick to the left, Nordi Mukiele completely missed his clearance, involuntarily putting the ball in the feet of the French captain of Mainz, Moussa Niakhaté, who extended the ball with his left foot (13th).

Although domineering, the "Red Bulls" came up against a united team in defense and even believed to concede a second goal after a volley from Stefan Bell in the back of the net, invalidated by the referee, the ball having gone out of bounds. ground on the pass (74th).

Five teams have won after eight of the nine matches of this first day of the Bundesliga.

Before the last meeting between Cologne and Hertha Berlin (5.30 p.m.), Stuttgart led on goal difference, ahead of Hoffenheim, Dortmund, Mainz and Wolfsburg.

On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund scattered Frankfurt 5-2, carried by its talented Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (two goals and three assists), while Bayern, hampered by a truncated preparation, was held in check on the ground of Mönchengladbach (1-1).

The joy of the Norwegian striker from Dortmund, Erling Haaland, after his two goals and the victory at home, 5-2 against Eintracht Frankfurt, on the 1st day of the Bundesliga, August 14, 2021 Ina Fassbender AFP

The two teams will meet on Tuesday for the German Supercup.

© 2021 AFP