RB Leipzig have made an early season statement when they came back from two goals down to hand champions Bayer Leverkusen a first Bundesliga defeat after 35 matches . Saturday ' s 3 - 2 victory sent them top of the table and showed that Leipzig not only have a life after Dani Olmo ' s move to Barcelona but also could emerge as a serious contender . " We must believe in ourselves because we have unbelievable potential ," sporting director Rouven Schr ö der said post - match . Schr ö der spoke of " a fascinating match " in which former Leverkusen player Kevin Kampl and Lois Openda ' s brace turned the tide after Leipzig were only second best for most of the first half . Leipzig were absolutely clinical on their few chances and also more stable at the back after the break where coach Marco Rose did not hesitate to field young centre back El - Chadaille Bitshiabu for the first time in the starting 11 . " Leverkusen were constantly dangerous , but it wasn ' t as if they completely outplayed us . In the end , my b oys did an excellent job , were unpleasant , played and fought for the win . We happily take it ," Rose said . Kampl said that " we struck with ice - cold vigour ." " We believed in it , there was a lot of will behind it . We gave each other great support . We knew it would be tough because Leverkusen play brutally good football ." Leipzig are consistant top finishers in the league but the best they have so far got are runner - up spots in 2017 and 2021 , with two German Cups the only silverware for the club backed by soft drinks makers Red Bull . But they may sense a chance early in a season where Leverkusen appear not quite as dominant as last term , and amid some question marks around serial champions Bayern Munich under new coach Vincent Kompany . The only damper was Rose ' s red card for dissent midway through the first half . He later admitted he was at fault but could take it all in his stride . " Things went well when I was gone ," Rose said . dpa ri bagSource: The Namibia News Agency