The Promoted Sides Already Causing Problems in Europe’s Top Five Leagues

Hull City, Elversberg, Frosinone and Racing Santander have already made a strong impression in their first games

Europe Today at 05:40

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The Promoted Sides Already Causing Problems in Europe’s Top Five Leagues

The 2026-27 season has barely begun, yet several promoted sides have already made their presence felt among the elite. In England, Germany, Italy and Spain, some newcomers have already taken points against established teams and are showing ambitions that go well beyond simply avoiding relegation.

Hull City are arguably the promoted side that has impressed the most after the opening two matchdays. Back in the Premier League, the Tigers have made a perfect start with two wins and two clean sheets.

Hull first made a statement by beating Manchester United 2-0 before following it up on Saturday with a 1-0 victory away to Coventry City, thanks to a late goal from Liam Millar.

With six points from six and no goals conceded, Hull have already emerged as one of the teams attracting attention. Most remarkably, the promoted side was far from being considered a favourite before the season began. Statistical projections even predicted a particularly difficult battle for survival.

The newcomers have therefore already changed the perception surrounding them. With Aston Villa next on the schedule, Hull will soon have the opportunity to prove that their excellent start is more than just a flash in the pan.

Elversberg Make Their Mark on Their Bundesliga Debut

In Germany, the statement has been even more spectacular.

In the very first Bundesliga match in their history, Elversberg defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-2. The promoted side even led 3-0 before the 2024 German champions fought their way back into the game.

It is difficult to imagine a better scenario for a first appearance in the top flight. Elversberg picked up three points in their opening match of a league they are playing in for the first time, while also bringing down one of the most prominent clubs in German football in recent years.

The result is even more symbolic given Leverkusen’s association with their historic 2024 title. For Elversberg, the victory is already one of the biggest moments in the club’s history.

Frosinone Humiliate Fiorentina

In Italy, Frosinone have also sent a particularly clear message.

In their second Serie A match, the promoted side secured a stunning 3-0 victory away to Fiorentina. The emphatic result is even more impressive given how comfortably the Canarini controlled their opponents, scoring twice before half-time and putting the result beyond doubt in the second half.

Frosinone therefore did more than simply collect three points: they recorded a spectacular away victory against a team accustomed to competing in the upper half of the Italian league.

After just two matchdays, the newcomers can already look at Serie A with far fewer complexes.

Racing Santander Playing Without Fear

In Spain, Racing Santander are also making headlines on their return to La Liga.

The Cantabrian club began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Villarreal after taking a 2-0 lead, before securing their first victory on matchday three against Elche.

And that victory had a very particular signature: Yassir Zabiri, who scored a hat-trick. The Moroccan striker inspired Racing to a 3-2 win and confirmed that the promoted side have not returned to La Liga simply to make up the numbers.

After three matches, Santander have already shown two different sides: a team capable of holding their own against Villarreal and a promoted side capable of winning a thrilling encounter.

Four Promoted Teams, Four Different Messages

The common denominator among these teams is their ability to quickly move beyond the status of “newcomer”. Hull City already have six points and two clean sheets from two matches. Elversberg pulled off the feat of beating Leverkusen in their very first top-flight game. Frosinone thrashed Fiorentina 3-0. And Racing Santander have collected four points from their last two outings after holding Villarreal to a draw.

Of course, it is far too early to talk about guaranteed survival or a genuine challenge for European places. The season is long, and these promoted sides will have to maintain their level over time.

But after only a handful of games, one trend is already emerging: some of the newcomers in Europe’s top five leagues are far less intimidated by the elite than expected.