We are only a few matchdays into the Bundesliga season, but there are already several clubs making people rethink their preseason expectations.
Borussia Dortmund is an obvious candidate. After a somewhat uneven 2025/26 campaign, Dortmund have started the new season with signs that they could be a much more consistent team under Niko Kovač. Their ability to grind out results, including the recent 1-0 win over VfB Stuttgart, has been notable. The question is whether that defensive solidity and improved
consistency can continue over the long haul.
Werder Bremen is another interesting choice. Their early results have provided plenty to discuss, particularly after Saturday’s 3-2 victory over FC Augsburg. Bremen may not have been expected to make a major splash at the top of the table, but they have shown enough to suggest they could be an annoying opponent for plenty of teams this season.
Then there is newly promoted SV Elversberg. Their Bundesliga debut has already produced some memorable moments, even if the results have been difficult. They pushed Bayern Munich in a 2-1 defeat before facing another major challenge against Schalke on Sunday. For a club experiencing its first Bundesliga season, simply competing at this level is a significant storyline.
SC Freiburg also deserves consideration. Freiburg earned a 2-2 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, continuing what has been an interesting start for Julian Schuster’s side. They remain a club that can make life difficult for anyone, and their early performances could make them one of the more intriguing teams to follow.
So, which Bundesliga club has surprised you the most so far — in a good way or a bad way?
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