Julian Nagelsmann started his RB Leipzig career with a bang as his side hammered Bundesliga new boys Union Berlin 4-0, as the home fans staged a silent 15-minute protest against the visitors.

Leipzig, one of the favourites to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season, were always going to provide Union with a difficult initiation.  It was the first time the capital city outfit had conceded four goals at home since November 2014, when they lost 4-1 to 1860 Munich.

Christopher Nkunku, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, scored just three minutes after being substituted on for Germany striker Timo Werner, who also got on the scoresheet. Marcel Halstenberg and Marcel Sabitzer also scored for the visitors, who took a 3-0 lead into halftime.    

Union Berlin fans used their debut fixture in the top-flight to stage a 15-minute silent protest aimed at opponents RB Leipzig's ownership by an energy drinks company.

Home fans remained quiet for the opening quarter of an hour at the Stadion An der Alten Foersterei as an expression of their opposition to the way Leipzig is run. Red Bull controls the club in one of the few exceptions to German football's  "50+1" principle that members should own a majority of shares.

Ironically, the visitors took the lead 57 seconds through Halstenberg after the Union crowd began to chant for the first time. Midfielder Halstenberg took advantage of a seemingly unfocused Berlin, curling home while unmarked on the edge of the box. 

Leipzig added a second 15 minutes later as heavy rain began to fall, with Marcel Sabitzer punishing Berlin for a defensive mistake inside their own half. 

Werner added another in the 42nd minute with a powerful strike into the top corner, with the shellshocked home side struggling to keep up with the visitors' talented outfit. 

Nkunku's goal in the 69th minute made it 4-0. The visitors became increasingly desperate to score a fifth in the closing stages, knowing that another goal would take them to the top of the table.