Heavyweights stutter as newcomers shine in Bundesliga start

MUNICH — The Bundesliga order looks to have been turned upside down with promoted Paderborn in the lead, followed by Mainz 05 and Hoffenheim while traditional heavyweights struggle at the start of the season after four games. For fans across Germany, who had largely been expecting another Bayern Munich title romp like last season, the current situation is a pleasant surprise. Minnows Paderborn, with a budget of five million euros ($6.43 million) — smaller even than that of many second division clubs — have shot out of the blocks to top the table on eight points with two wins and two draws. At the other end of the table 2007 Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart are in last place, behind former European champions Hamburg SV and Schalke 04, who compete in the Champions League this season.