Leipzig crush Union 4-0 to spoil newcomers' Bundesliga debut

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku in action with 1. FC Union Berlin's Christopher Lenz REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

BERLIN (Reuters) - RB Leipzig spoiled hosts Union Berlin's Bundesliga debut on Sunday, crushing the top division newcomers 4-0 with a performance that confirmed their pre-season title contenders tag.

Marcel Halstenberg fired home from 20 metres in the 17th minute and then pounced on a keeper error to set up Marcel Sabitzer for the visitors' second goal in the 31st with only their second shot on target on a rain-drenched pitch in the capital.

Forward Timo Werner completed a fine combination with a powerful shot to send Leipzig into the break with a three-goal cushion. Substitute Christopher Nkunku tapped in from close range in the 69th for their fourth goal after the visitors also twice hit the woodwork.

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 RB Leipzig's Yussuf Poulsen celebrates after teammate Christopher Nkunku scores their fourth goal REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Union, who lost only once at home in the second division last season, struggled with Leipzig's pace throughout and were unable to mount any serious attacks of their own.

Eintracht Frankfurt edged past Hoffenheim 1-0 in the only other game on Sunday.

Borussia Dortmund enjoyed a five-star premiere, crushing Augsburg 5-1 on Saturday, while champions Bayern Munich stumbled to a 2-2 draw against Hertha Berlin a day earlier.

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 1. FC Union Berlin coach Urs Fischer looks on during the match REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 RB Leipzig's Timo Werner scores their third goal REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 RB Leipzig's Marcel Halstenberg celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 1. FC Union Berlin's Grischa Promel shoots at goal REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 1. FC Union Berlin's Christian Gentner in action with RB Leipzig's Diego Demme REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 RB Leipzig's Timo Werner celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 1. FC Union Berlin's Marvin Friedrich in action with RB Leipzig's Yussuf Poulsen REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 1. FC Union Berlin fans during the match REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - August 18, 2019 Fans look on during the match REUTERS/Annegret Hilse