Bundesliga: Matchday 32 - Relegation spots may have been decided

While the relegation spots may have been decided this weekend, with a loss by both Nuernberg and Braunschweig, Stuttgart gained a valuable point to move into relatively safe territory.  The battle for third and fourth spot will continue and may not be decided until the final matchday.

Bayern fielded a weakened side ahead of the Real Madrid game next week and Bremen caused them some heartache.  Theodor Selassie put Bremen on the scoreboard in the tenth minute, but Franck Ribery equalized ten minutes later, Bremen's Aaron Hunt once again took the lead for Bremen prior ot the halftime whistle. The second half saw three goals by Bayern's Claudio Pizzaro, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben for a 5-2 victory.

Hannover and Stuttgart played to a scoreless draw on Friday's matchday opener, giving Stuttgart a valuable point.  With two matches left, Stuttgart is in a relatively safe spot to avoid relegation. For Hannover there was nothing at stake.  Leverkusen and Dortmund played to a 2-2 draw  with all goals in the first half. Lars Bender put Leverkusen ahed  in the 7th minute. Oliver Kirch equalized in the 29th minute, but Gonzalo Castro’s header put Leverkusen ahead once more in the 35th.  A handball by Roberto Hilbert gave Marco Reus the chance to equalize for a 2-2 halftime draw.  For Leverkusen the point put them two points ahead of Wolfsburg, which only managed a 2-2 draw against SC Freiburg.  

Berlin walked away with three over over Eintracht Braunschweig, which almost guarantees relegation for the one season Braunschweig club.  2-0 was the final score.  Berlin is in 11th spot with no chance for European play next season.  Mainz shut out Nuernberg 2-0 moving into sixth spot and leaving Nuernberg with an all but guaranteed relegation.  For Mainz the remaining matchdays will determine Euro League competition. 

Hoffenheim and Frankfurt played to a scoreless draw with nothing at stake for the next two encounters.  Both teams can now concentrate on the next season.  FC Augsburg defeated Hamburger SV 3-1 on goals from Hahn and Altintop, all in the first 45.   Hamburg got one back just before the halftime whistle.  The second half remained scoreless for a 3-1 Augsburg win.  Augsburg occupies 8th spot, with a remote chance to qualify for the Euro League,  while Hamburg remains in the relegation playoff spot, five points behind Stuttgart and just one point ahead of Nuernberg.

Three clubs are in the relegation zone, Hamburg, Nuernberg and Braunschweig.  Hamburg plays on Sunday in Augsburg and can secure the relegation playoff spot with a win.  The final match on Sunday is Schalke against Moenchengladbach.  A goal at the 35 minute mark by Patrick Herrmann secured three points for Gladbach.  The Borussen move into sixth spot with a chance to qualify for Champions League action next season.  



Friday April 25

Hannover 96 vs VfB Stuttgart  0-0

Saturday Apr 26
   
Bayern München vs Werder Bremen  5-2
FSV Mainz 05 vs 1. FC Nürnberg     2-0  
VfL Wolfsburg vs SC Freiburg       2-2
Hertha BSC vs Eintr. Braunschweig   2-0    
1899 Hoffenheim  vs Eintracht Frankfurt 0-0      
Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund 2-2

Sunday April 27   
   
FC Augsburg vs Hamburger SV   3-1
Schalke 04 vs Bor. Mönchengladbach  0-1

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        32    27  3    2        89:22       84
2      Dortmund         32    21   5    7       73:36       65
3      Schalke             32    17   7    8       57:42       58
4      Leverkusen       32    17  4   11       53:43       55
5      Wolfsburg         32    16   6  10       58:48       54
6      M'gladbach       32    15   7   10      55:39       52
7      Mainz               32    15   5   12       48:49      50  
8      Augsburg          32    13   7   12       44:46      46
9      Hoffenheim       32   10  11   11      67:66      41
10    Hertha BSC       32   11   7    14      40:42      41
11    Frankfurt           32     9   9    14      39:53       36
12    Freiburg            32      9   9  14       41:56       36
13    Hannover           32   10   6    16      42:58      36 
14    Bremen              32     9   8  14       39:64       36 
15    Stuttgart            32      8   8  16       49:60       32
16    Hamburg           32      7   6  19       48:68       27
17    Nürnberg           32      5 11  16       36:64       26
18    B'schweig         32       6   7  19       28:56       25

Bundesliga Matchday 32 Preview: Critical and decisive weekend

This matchday is critical and decisive for several clubs.  For some it is to secure spots in the Champions and Euro League, while others will be battling for their retention in the top tier. 

With three matchdays remaining, Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund are assured of Champions League competition next season.   FC Schalke 04 can secure its spot with a win over Leverkusen on Saturday, while Gladbach, Leverkusen and Wolfsburg will have to wait.

Gladbach, Mainz and Augsburg appear to be in position to clinch a Euro League spot.  The remainder of the league turns to the relegation battle.  A win for Frankfurt, Hannover and Freiburg would secure play in the Bundesliga next season, while Hamburg, Nuernberg and Braunschweig could know their fate as early as this weekend.

Nuernberg travels to Mainz, while Hamburg faces a fiesty Augsburg side.  At the top of the league, Dortmund travels to Leverkusen, while Schalke and Gladbach face a tough battle in Gelsenkirchen, which can clinch Schalke's third place position and end Glabach's hopes.  Braunschweig battles Berlin.  A loss for Braunschweig means a return to tier two. 

Friday April 25

Hannover 96 vs VfB Stuttgart  0-0

Saturday Apr 26
   
Bayern München vs Werder Bremen  5-2
FSV Mainz 05 vs 1. FC Nürnberg     2-0  
VfL Wolfsburg vs SC Freiburg       2-2
Hertha BSC vs Eintr. Braunschweig   2-0    
1899 Hoffenheim  vs Eintracht Frankfurt 0-0      
Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund 2-2

Sunday April 27   
   
FC Augsburg vs Hamburger SV   
Schalke 04 vs Bor. Mönchengladbach

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        32    27  3    2        89:22       84
2      Dortmund         32    21   5    7       73:36       65
3      Schalke             31    17   7    7       57:41       58
4      Leverkusen       32    17  4   11       53:43       55
5      Wolfsburg         32    16   5  11       58:48       53
6      Mainz               32    15   5   12       48:49      50  
7      M'gladbach       31    14   7   10      54:39       49
8      Augsburg          31    12   7   12       41:45      43
9      Hoffenheim       32   10  10   12      67:66      40
10    Hertha BSC       32   11   7    14      40:42      41
11    Bremen              32     9   8  14       39:64       36 
12    Frankfurt           32     9   9    14      39:53       36
13    Freiburg            32      9   9  14       41:56       36
14    Hannover           32   10   6    16      42:58      36 
15    Stuttgart            32      8   8  16       49:60       32
16    Hamburg           31      7   6  18       47:65       27
17    Nürnberg           32      5 11  16       36:64       26
18    B'schweig         32       6   7  19       28:56       25

Bundesliga Matchday 31: BVB defeats Mainz, Wolfsburg wins in Hamburg

Bayern Munich, with a mediocre first half performance defeated Bundesliga taillight Braunschweig 2-0.   BVB defeated Mainz 4-2, while in Saturday's late match, Wolfsburg won in Hamburg, moving provisionally into a Champions League qualifying spot.  Freiburg and Hannover walked away with victories, creating that important breathing space to avoid relegation.  Stuttgart, Hamburg, Nuernberg and Braunschweig are in immediate danger of relegation. 

Nuernberg hosts Leverkusen and Stuttgart welcomes Schalke 04 on Sunday, both very difficult matches for the relegation candidates.  A win or draw for Leverkusen will move the side, which has been struggling since the winter break, back into fourth spot.  Schalke can narrow the gap to second placed Dortmund.

In Friday's matchday opener Hannover won in Frankfurt 2-3.  Andreasen opened the scoring for Hannover in the second minute while Lanig got the equalizer in the 13th.  Stindl move Hannover ahead in the 20th and Ya Konan increased the lead to two in the 29th.  Meier narrowed the gap for Frankfurt in the 68th, but was the denied the equalizer.  Both Franfurt and Hannover have 35 points, seven clear of the relegation playoff spot.  FC Augsburg and Hertha BSC Berlin battled to a scoreless draw, occupying eighth and tenth spot respectively.  Both sides are clear of relegation.

Dortmund defeated Mainz 4-2 with Okazaki scoring the opener on 14 minutes.  Lewandowski's goal in the 18th minute equalized for a 1-1 draw after 45.   Okazaki put Mainz ahead in the 53rd, but goals by Pisczk (56), Reus (penalty 79th) secured the three points for Dortmund.  BVB enjoys a six point lead over third placed Schalke, while Mainz trails Gladbach by one in seventh spot.  Bayern Muenchen struggled through the first half, with a weakened Bayern side, against league taillight Braunschweig.  Goals by Pizzaro (75th) and Mandzukic (87th) secured the 2-0 win for Bayern.  For Braunschweig the situation is getting critical.

Freiburg walked over Borussia Moenchengladbach 4-1, one of the surprises of this matchday.  For Freiburg the win created an important buffer from relegation, while Gladbach remains in a fight for a Euro League qualification spot.  Werder Bremen defeated Hoffenheim 3-1.  While Volland scored the opener in the Weser Stadion, in the third, Bargfriede (18th), Garcia (78th) and Petersen (90th), ensured the three points for the Hanseaten.  Hoffenheim is in 9th spot, with Bremen in 11th.

Hamburg lost an important home match against Wolfsburg 1-3.  Perisic (2nd), Bruyne (42nd) and Olic (49th) were the scorers for Wolfsburg and Ilicevic (58th) got one back for Hamburg.  Hamburg, the only Bundesliga side that has never faced relegation, must now face that reality.  For Wolfsburg there is a good opportunity for Champions League qualification.

 Sunday's matches see Leverkusen at Nuernberg, while Stuttgart hosts Schalke 04.

Thursday 17 April

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hannover 96    2:3

Saturday 19 April
Werder Bremen vs 1899 Hoffenheim    3:1
Borussia Dortmund vs FSV Mainz 05    4:2
Eintr. Braunschweig vs Bayern München 0:2
FC Augsburg vs Hertha BSC    0:0
SC Freiburg vs Bor. Mönchengladbach    4:2 
Hamburger SV vs VfL Wolfsburg   1:3

Sunday 20 April
   
1. FC Nürnberg vs Bayer Leverkusen       1-4
VfB Stuttgart vs Schalke 04    3-1

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        31    26  3    2        84:20       81
2      Dortmund         31    21   4    7       71:34       64
3      Schalke             31    17   7    7       57:41       61
4      Leverkusen       31    17   3  11       51:41       54
5      Wolfsburg         31    16   5  10       56:46       53
6      M'gladbach       31    14   6   11      54:39       48  
7      Mainz               31    14   5   12       46:49       47 
8      Augsburg          31    12   7   12       41:45      43
9      Hoffenheim       31   10   9    12      67:66      40
10    Hertha BSC       31   10   7    14      38:42      38
11    Bremen              31     9   8  13       37:59       36 
12    Frankfurt           31     9   8    14      39:53       35
13    Hannover           31   10   5  16       41:57       35
14    Freiburg            31      9   8  14       39:54       35
15    Stuttgart            31      8   7  16       48:59       31
16    Hamburg           31      7   6  18       47:65       27
17    Nürnberg           31      5 11  15       36:62       26
18    B'schweig         31       6   7  18       28:54       25

Bundesliga Matchday 30: Dortmund shuts out Bayern

Three days after qualifying for the UCL semi-final, FC Bayern was shut out by rival Borussia Dortmund.  Bayern appeared tired and often passes were inaccurate.  Mkhitaryan scored in the 20th minute to give Dortmund the 1-0 lead for the first 45.  Manuel Neuer was replaced by Raeder in the second frame. The substitution was as a precaution to ensure the keeper was fit for Wednesday's DFB Cup game.

While Robben and Ribery were starters, the Bayern game never gained the same flow as is customary for the record champions. Thomas Mueller replaced Ribery and Toni Kroos came in for Robben in the second half.  Marco Reus scored shortly into the second half (49th) and Jonas Hofmann clinched the match with his goal in the 56th minute.  This was Bayern's first home loss since October 2012.

In the Friday evening opener, fans were treated to a scoreless draw in the first half, when Schalke 04 hosted Eintracht Frankfurt.  Schalke took control in the second 45, with Meyer scoring the 1-0 lead for the Knappen.  Julian Draxler appeared to score the second goal, but was ruled offside.  The last 30 minutes remained interesting for fans of both sides, with several scoring opportunities on both sides.  Farfan doubled the score before the final whistle and Schalke came  a step closer to qualifying for the Champions League.  Despite the loss Frankfurt, with an eight point buffer is relatively safe from relegation.

After Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke as the top three there is a three way battle for the UCL fourth spot.  Wolfsburg swapped places with Gladbach after the 4-1 win over Nuernberg, while Gladbach, after a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart is ahead of Leverkusen provisionally.  Leverkusen hosts Berlin on Sunday.  In any case the last UCL spot is far from decided.  Mainz is still a player after the 3-0 thrashing Bremen. Augsburg, which travel to Hoffenheim on Sunday is still a contender for the last Euro League spot.

Leverkusen moved back into fourth spot on Sunday, one point ahead of Wolfsburg, after defeating Hertha BSC Berlin 2-1.  Hoffenheim defeated Augsburg 2-0 and is now mathematically clear of relegation.  Augsburg remains two points ahead of Hoffenheim, but may have foiled its chances for obtaining an Euro League spot. 

Stuttgart, Hamburg, Nuernberg and Braunschweig are still very much attempting to avoid reletation, while Freiburg got some breathing space after a 2-0 win over Braunschweig.   Stuttgart moved up one from the  relegation play off spot by holding Gladbach to a 1-1 draw.

With four matchdays remaining, it may take to the end to decide which teams are in the relegation spots.

Deutsche Welle Matchday Wrap

Friday 11 April 14

Schalke 04 vs Eintracht Frankfurt  2-0

Saturday 12 April 14

Hannover 96 vs Hamburger SV      2-1  
SC Freiburg vs Eintr. Braunschweig     2-0   
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs VfB Stuttgart    1-1    
FSV Mainz 05 vs Werder Bremen       3-0 
VfL Wolfsburg vs 1. FC Nürnberg        4-1
Bayern München vs Borussia Dortmund    3-0

Sunday 13 Apr 14
 Bayer Leverkusen vs Hertha BSC       2-1 
1899 Hoffenheim vs FC Augsburg     2-0

 
Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        30    25  3    2        82:20       78
2      Dortmund         30    20   4    7       67:32       61
3      Schalke             30    17   7    6       56:38       58
4      Leverkusen       30    16   3  11       50:37       51
5      Wolfsburg         30    15   5  10       53:45       50
6      M'gladbach       30    14   6   10      52:35       48  
7      Mainz               30    14   5   11       44:45       47 
8      Augsburg          30    12   6   12       41:45      42
9      Hoffenheim       30   10   9    11      66:63      40
10    Hertha BSC       30   10   6    14      38:42      37
11    Frankfurt           30     9   8    13      37:50       35
12    Bremen              30     8   8  13       34:58       33
13    Hannover           30     9   5  16       38:55       32
14    Freiburg            30      8   8  14       35:52       32
15    Stuttgart            30      7   7  16       45:58       28
16    Hamburg           30      7   6  17       46:62       27
17    Nürnberg           30      5 11  14       35:58       26
18    B'schweig         30      6    7  17      28:52       25

Bundesliga Matchday 30 Preview: At least six clubs fighting relegation

With 15 available points, until the Bundesliga ends its season, there are at least six clubs facing relegation.  Among the stalwarts are Hamburg, Bremen and Stuttgart.  Only four points separate 18th placed Eintracht Braunschweig and 13th Hannover 96.

Hannover and Hamburg go head to head on Saturday and a lot is at stake for the Hanseaten, who have never been relegated in the Bundesliga's 51 years of existence.  Stuttgart level on points with Hamburg, faces Borussia Moenchengladbach, a side with Champions League aspirations.  Gladbach is level on points with Wolfsburg.  Both clubs trail fourth placed Leverkusen by one point.

Braunschweig faces troubled SC Freiburg.  Eintracht, which has gained four points in the last two outings, tails Hamburg and Stuttgart by two points and could possibly move upwards with a win over Freiburg.  Nuernberg one point ahead of Braunschweig faces a formidable opponent in Wolfsburg.  For the club it is reckoning time.   Mathematically it is possible for all these clubs to avoid relegation, but this will require victories and a little help from the remainder of the league.
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On the top end of the league, FC Bayern seems to have closed the chapter on this year's Bundesliga season and the focus has shifted to the Champions League and the DFB Cup.   Whether or not Pep Guardiola will field the A team on Saturday, when the side hosts Dortmund remains to be seen.  Dortmund put in a stellar performance against Real Madrid on Tuesday, but due to a first leg 3-0 deficit, the 2-0 victory has Dortmund out of the Champions League for this season. Dortmund aims at securing its current second spot, with currently a three point lead.  The other focus is on the DFB Cup, the only silverware available to Juergen Klopp's side.

Schalke hopes to pick up three points when Frankfurt comes to town. Frankfurt, though relatively safe from relegation can still mathematically sink into a relegation spot.  Eight points separate the side from Nuernberg.  Bayer Leverkusen hosts Berlin and this match could go either way.  Leverkusen has not fully recovered from a slump after the winter break and Berlin, a side which looked like a Euro League likely, wants to get as close as possible, although it's nearly impossible.  A loss for Leverkusen could move the side into sixth spot.

While the league championship has been wrapped up, there is still lots to be decided for the 2013/14 season.  The top match this week would undoubtedly be the Bayern/Dortmund match, but it depends what sides both Pep Guardiola and Juergen Klopp field.  Will Dortmund become the second side this season to defeat the Super Bayern?


Friday 11 April 14

Schalke 04 vs Eintracht Frankfurt  2-0
Saturday 12 April 14

Hannover 96 vs Hamburger SV      2-1  
SC Freiburg vs Eintr. Braunschweig     2-0   
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs VfB Stuttgart    1-1    
FSV Mainz 05 vs Werder Bremen       3-0 
VfL Wolfsburg vs 1. FC Nürnberg        4-1
Bayern München vs Borussia Dortmund    

Sunday 13 Apr 14
 Bayer Leverkusen vs Hertha BSC        
1899 Hoffenheim vs FC Augsburg   

 
Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        29    25  3    1        82:17       78
2      Dortmund         29    19   4    7       64:32       58
3      Schalke             30    17   7    6       56:38       58
4      Wolfsburg         30    15   5  10       53:45       50
5      Leverkusen       29    15   3  11       48:36       48
6      M'gladbach       30    14   6   10      52:35       48 
7      Mainz               30    14   5   11       44:45       47 
8      Augsburg          29    12   6   11       41:43      42
9      Hoffenheim       29     9   9    11      64:63      37
10    Hertha BSC      29    10   6    13      37:40      37
11    Frankfurt           30     9   8    13      37:50       35
12    Bremen              30     8   8  13       34:58       33
13    Hannover           30     9   5  16       38:55       32
14    Freiburg            30      8   8  14       35:52       32
15    Stuttgart            30      7   7  16       45:58       28
16    Hamburg           30      7   6  17       46:62       27
17    Nürnberg           30      5 11  14       35:58       26
18    B'schweig         30      6    7  17      28:52       25

Bundesliga Matchday 29: Bayern's undefeated streak stopped by FC Augsburg

FC Augsburg stopped Bayern's undefeated streak and Augsburg is the first team to defeat "Super Bayern this season. How appropriate to have a neighbouring club do it. Pep Guardiola grossly miscalculated Augsburg's ability and as a consequence put three brand new guys on the pitch and left them on. Although he brought on Alaba, Goetze and Mueller shortly into the second frame, he miscalculated Augsburg's fighting spirit.

This is exactly what happened last weekend with Hoffenheim and mid week with ManU. I hope he realizes that ManU can win this with a 1-1 draw or any kind of draw, other than scoreless. Guardiola is no Heynckes. Respect to FCAugsburg for for this performance. 

Dortmund came from behind to defeat VFL Wolfsburg 2-1, on goals from Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus.  Dortmund enjoys a three point lead over third place Schalke, while remains one point short of fourth spot behind Leverkusen, which continued its slump  with a 2-1 loss against Hamburg. The HSV moved  up into the relegation play off spot one point ahead of Nuernberg. 

Stuttgart moved up into 15th spot, after defeating Freiburg 2-0.  Both teams are threatend by relegation with Stuttgart even in points with Hamburg, while Freiburg is only two points removed. Eintracht Frankfurt picked up three important points against Mainz 05 and with 35 points has placed a large gap from the relegation zone.   Mainz occupies seventh spot and still has a chance of qualifying for Euro League competition next season. 

Third placed Schalke played to a 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen and has a comfortable seven point lead ahead of Leverkusen.  Bremen has accumulated 33 points and may be able to avoid relegation. 

On Sunday Braunschweig hosts Hannover, while Hoffenheim travels to Berlin.

Friday 4 April

Hamburger SV vs Bayer Leverkusen  2-1

Saturday 5 April

VfB Stuttgart vs SC Freiburg    2-0
FC Augsburg vs Bayern München  1-0       
Eintracht Frankfurt vs FSV Mainz 05    2-0
Werder Bremen vs Schalke 04        1-1
1. FC Nürnberg vs Bor. Mönchengladbach  0-2      
Borussia Dortmund vs VfL Wolfsburg  2-1
  
Sunday 6 April 

Eintr. Braunschweig vs Hannover 96      3-0
Hertha BSC vs 1899 Hoffenheim  1-1
 
Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        29    25  3    1        82:17       78
2      Dortmund         29    19   4    7       64:32       58
3      Schalke             29    16   7    6       54:38       55
4      Leverkusen       29    15   3  11       48:36       48
5      Wolfsburg         29    14   5  10       49:44       47
6      M'gladbach       29    14   6    9       51:34       47 
7      Mainz               29    13   5   11       41:45       44 
8      Augsburg          29    12   6   11       41:43      42
9      Hoffenheim       29     9   9    11      64:63      37
10    Hertha BSC      29    10   6    13      37:40      37
11    Frankfurt           29     9   8    12      37:48       35
12    Bremen              29     8   8  12       34:55       33
13    Hannover           29     8   5  16       36:54       29
14    Freiburg            29      7   8  14       33:52       29
15    Stuttgart            29      7   6  16       44:57       27
16    Hamburg           29      7   6  16       45:60       27
17    Nürnberg           29      5 11  13       34:54       26
18    B'schweig         29      6    7  16      28:50       25

Bundesliga Matchday 29 Preview: Six battle relegation, while Bayer 04 battles for UCL

When the Bundesliga takes to the pitch on Friday, the opener has one side fighting relegation and the other attempting to end a slump.  Along with Hamburg five more clubs are fighting against relegation. Only one point separates Leverkusen from Wolfsburg, while Hannover, Freiburg, Nuernberg, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Braunschweig are only separated by seven points.

When Hamburg hosts Leverkusen on Friday, you have a side in Leverkusen that has experienced a slump in its performance since the winter break and the sides one one draw last week against league taillight is not a  lot to provide encouragement.  Hamburg on the other hand is only one point above Braunschweig and is the only side that has never been relegated from the league.  If Hamburg wants to avoid relegation the side needs a win.  Milan Badlej is back from suspension and Ilicivic could be back.

Freiburg travels to the Schwabenland on Saturday in an attempt to garner three points from 16th spot Stuttgart.  Freiburg is five points clear of relegation, but there are still 18 points to lose.  For Stuttgart to survive a victory is essential.

Augsburg currently in eighth spot is clear of relegation, but the side will be playing for Bavarian bragging rights and perhaps league bragging rights, when the side hosts Bayern Muenchen.  Bayern on the other hand only managed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford midweek, and will have its eyes on the price next week, when Manchester United visits. Don't expect the A team on the pitch. After last week's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim, the Bayern will be gunning for victory.

Frankfurt is also clear of a relegation threat, but Mainz still has a good shot at the Euro League and an outside chance to make Champions League qualification. Expect this to be one of the better matches this weekend.

Werder Bremen should be clear of relegation threat and Schalke 04 is aiming to be best of the rest. With only one point behind Dortmund the Hanseaten will be looking for another win.  Nuernberg will be hosting Gladbach, a side with a good shot of a Champions League spot, while Nuernberg is only one point ahead of Stuttgart.  The Franken need a win to have a chance to avoid relegation.  Nuernberg can be a threat at home.  Will Gladbach have the grit to overcome a Nuernberg challenge.
 Dortmund got a thumping from Real Madrid midweek and will try to redeem themselves to gain some encouragement for  next week's UCL encounter.   Their opponents on Saturday are Wolfsburg a side that currently holds fifth spot.  The side has Champions ambitions and is sure to give Dortmund a run for its money.

On Sunday Eintracht Braunschweig hosts hosts Hannover 96.  For Braunschweig relegation is real, and for Hannover a win is critical, although the side has a five point cushion from a relegation spot.  Both sides must win to make use of the points available in the last six games. 

Berlin hosts Hoffenheim in the second Sunday match.  Both sides are free of relegation worries and are equal in points at 36.  With 11 points short of any relegation spot, while mathematically possible. this match is for team pride only.

Whatever happens this weekend, the quest is real for some to meet their ambitions, but serious for the clubs at the tailend of the league.  There will, likely, be some upsets and surprises, but there should be plenty of goals. 

The relegation battle takes centre stage in the Bundesliga as the season enters its final phase. Eintracht Braunschweig, Hamburger SV, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Freiburg and Hannover are all in danger of the drop, with just seven points between the sides with six games still to play. Bayern Munich, which has already wrapped up the title in record time, aims to maintain its unbeaten run and will use Saturday's Bavarian derby against Augsburg to prepare for Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal return leg against Manchester United. Here are five things to know about the Bundesliga's 29th round of games:
___
DORTMUND DEPRESSED
On the verge of exiting the Champions League after Wednesday's 3-0 quarterfinal first-leg defeat at Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund is struggling to stay positive after an underwhelming season to date. Only the German Cup remains a realistic target for Juergen Klopp's side. Second place in the Bundesliga is a minimum requirement but scant consolation for finishing so far behind Bayern for the second season in a row. The gap was 25 points last season. It's 23 now with six games to play.
Dortmund can stop Bayern's bid to become the first side to complete a Bundesliga season unbeaten by winning in Munich next week but "schadenfreude" would seem petty in an inconsistent season. Terrible luck with injuries has played its part, to be fair to Klopp's side, but the knowledge that top striker Robert Lewandowski is joining Bayern next season is unlikely to improve the mood.
Lewandowski scored four goals in one game against Madrid last season. All would be forgiven if he did it again in Tuesday's second leg.
___
WOLFSBURG BULLISH
Wolfsburg harbours dreams of being among "the best of the rest" behind Bayern and has spent more than 200 million euros ($275 million) on new players over the past five seasons to qualify for Europe. The Volkswagen-backed club is currently fifth, just one point off Bayer Leverkusen in the last Champions League qualification place.
"We want to take the chance and finish fourth," said Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking, whose side visits Dortmund on Saturday.
Wolfsburg, the 2009 Bundesliga champion, has the opportunity to return to the Champions League due to Leverkusen's poor form. Leverkusen was second but an alarming slump — just five points from eight league games — has given Wolfsburg the encouragement it needs.
___
HAMBURG IN TROUBLE
Last week's 1-1 draw with bottom side Braunschweig may have increased the pressure on Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia, but Hamburg coach Mirko Slomka is trying to stave off relegation. Hamburg is the only club to have played every season of the Bundesliga since the league was formed in 1963 and Slomka's players are under immense pressure to prevent its first relegation.
Slomka said last week the situation was "ominous" after a 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach left his side just two points above last-placed Braunschweig.
Hamburg hosts Leverkusen on Friday, when the home side will be looking for just its third win from nine games.
Hamburg striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga is out with muscle problems. However, Ivo Ilicevic could be back after recovering from his thigh strain and Milan Badelj will be back from suspension.
___
FIGHTING THE DROP
Stuttgart hosts Freiburg on Saturday for a derby both sides are desperate to win. Stuttgart occupies the relegation playoff place by virtue of a better goal difference to Hamburg, while Freiburg is five points clear but by no means safe after claiming 10 points from its last four games.
"We have to keep getting points," Freiburg striker Admir Mehmedi said. "We can only relax when it's mathematically safe."
Nuremberg is just two points above Stuttgart and will have to cope without suspended defensive players Emanuel Pogatetz and Niklas Stark against Borussia Moenchengladbach, also Saturday.
Hannover, which has been dragged back into the relegation scrap after three defeats in a row, visits bottom side Braunschweig for a high-stake Lower Saxony derby on Sunday.
"We know how special the game is for the region," Braunschweig midfielder Mirko Boland said. "But the only thing that matters for us, particularly because of the league table, is a victory. We have to win the derby."
___
BAVARIAN DERBY
Bayern remains unbeaten in 53 Bundesliga games but last week's 3-3 with Hoffenheim ended the side's 19-game winning streak in the league and — more importantly — was followed by Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Manchester in the Champions League. With one eye on Wednesday's quarterfinal return leg, Pep Guardiola will almost certainly rotate his side again for Saturday's game at Augsburg.
The title was already secured with seven games to spare and Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer warned, "A bad thing mustn't come from a good. We shouldn't get it into our heads to lose our rhythm."
Augsburg has been enjoying an excellent season, though appears to be running out of steam with just one point from four games. Markus Weinzierl has to do without his two top scorers against Bayern. Andre Hahn is suspended and Tobias Werner is out with a fractured eye socket. Defender Ragnar Klavan is also doubtful with thigh problems.
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/5-things-to-know-as-relegation-battles-take-centre-stage-in-bundesliga-bayern-still-unbeaten-1.941048#sthash.EhsLeDXy.dpuf

The relegation battle takes centre stage in the Bundesliga as the season enters its final phase. Eintracht Braunschweig, Hamburger SV, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Freiburg and Hannover are all in danger of the drop, with just seven points between the sides with six games still to play. Bayern Munich, which has already wrapped up the title in record time, aims to maintain its unbeaten run and will use Saturday's Bavarian derby against Augsburg to prepare for Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal return leg against Manchester United. Here are five things to know about the Bundesliga's 29th round of games:
___
DORTMUND DEPRESSED
On the verge of exiting the Champions League after Wednesday's 3-0 quarterfinal first-leg defeat at Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund is struggling to stay positive after an underwhelming season to date. Only the German Cup remains a realistic target for Juergen Klopp's side. Second place in the Bundesliga is a minimum requirement but scant consolation for finishing so far behind Bayern for the second season in a row. The gap was 25 points last season. It's 23 now with six games to play.
Dortmund can stop Bayern's bid to become the first side to complete a Bundesliga season unbeaten by winning in Munich next week but "schadenfreude" would seem petty in an inconsistent season. Terrible luck with injuries has played its part, to be fair to Klopp's side, but the knowledge that top striker Robert Lewandowski is joining Bayern next season is unlikely to improve the mood.
Lewandowski scored four goals in one game against Madrid last season. All would be forgiven if he did it again in Tuesday's second leg.
___
WOLFSBURG BULLISH
Wolfsburg harbours dreams of being among "the best of the rest" behind Bayern and has spent more than 200 million euros ($275 million) on new players over the past five seasons to qualify for Europe. The Volkswagen-backed club is currently fifth, just one point off Bayer Leverkusen in the last Champions League qualification place.
"We want to take the chance and finish fourth," said Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking, whose side visits Dortmund on Saturday.
Wolfsburg, the 2009 Bundesliga champion, has the opportunity to return to the Champions League due to Leverkusen's poor form. Leverkusen was second but an alarming slump — just five points from eight league games — has given Wolfsburg the encouragement it needs.
___
HAMBURG IN TROUBLE
Last week's 1-1 draw with bottom side Braunschweig may have increased the pressure on Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia, but Hamburg coach Mirko Slomka is trying to stave off relegation. Hamburg is the only club to have played every season of the Bundesliga since the league was formed in 1963 and Slomka's players are under immense pressure to prevent its first relegation.
Slomka said last week the situation was "ominous" after a 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach left his side just two points above last-placed Braunschweig.
Hamburg hosts Leverkusen on Friday, when the home side will be looking for just its third win from nine games.
Hamburg striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga is out with muscle problems. However, Ivo Ilicevic could be back after recovering from his thigh strain and Milan Badelj will be back from suspension.
___
FIGHTING THE DROP
Stuttgart hosts Freiburg on Saturday for a derby both sides are desperate to win. Stuttgart occupies the relegation playoff place by virtue of a better goal difference to Hamburg, while Freiburg is five points clear but by no means safe after claiming 10 points from its last four games.
"We have to keep getting points," Freiburg striker Admir Mehmedi said. "We can only relax when it's mathematically safe."
Nuremberg is just two points above Stuttgart and will have to cope without suspended defensive players Emanuel Pogatetz and Niklas Stark against Borussia Moenchengladbach, also Saturday.
Hannover, which has been dragged back into the relegation scrap after three defeats in a row, visits bottom side Braunschweig for a high-stake Lower Saxony derby on Sunday.
"We know how special the game is for the region," Braunschweig midfielder Mirko Boland said. "But the only thing that matters for us, particularly because of the league table, is a victory. We have to win the derby."
___
BAVARIAN DERBY
Bayern remains unbeaten in 53 Bundesliga games but last week's 3-3 with Hoffenheim ended the side's 19-game winning streak in the league and — more importantly — was followed by Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Manchester in the Champions League. With one eye on Wednesday's quarterfinal return leg, Pep Guardiola will almost certainly rotate his side again for Saturday's game at Augsburg.
The title was already secured with seven games to spare and Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer warned, "A bad thing mustn't come from a good. We shouldn't get it into our heads to lose our rhythm."
Augsburg has been enjoying an excellent season, though appears to be running out of steam with just one point from four games. Markus Weinzierl has to do without his two top scorers against Bayern. Andre Hahn is suspended and Tobias Werner is out with a fractured eye socket. Defender Ragnar Klavan is also doubtful with thigh problems.
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/5-things-to-know-as-relegation-battles-take-centre-stage-in-bundesliga-bayern-still-unbeaten-1.941048#sthash.EhsLeDXy.dpuf

The relegation battle takes centre stage in the Bundesliga as the season enters its final phase. Eintracht Braunschweig, Hamburger SV, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Freiburg and Hannover are all in danger of the drop, with just seven points between the sides with six games still to play. Bayern Munich, which has already wrapped up the title in record time, aims to maintain its unbeaten run and will use Saturday's Bavarian derby against Augsburg to prepare for Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal return leg against Manchester United. Here are five things to know about the Bundesliga's 29th round of games:
___
DORTMUND DEPRESSED
On the verge of exiting the Champions League after Wednesday's 3-0 quarterfinal first-leg defeat at Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund is struggling to stay positive after an underwhelming season to date. Only the German Cup remains a realistic target for Juergen Klopp's side. Second place in the Bundesliga is a minimum requirement but scant consolation for finishing so far behind Bayern for the second season in a row. The gap was 25 points last season. It's 23 now with six games to play.
Dortmund can stop Bayern's bid to become the first side to complete a Bundesliga season unbeaten by winning in Munich next week but "schadenfreude" would seem petty in an inconsistent season. Terrible luck with injuries has played its part, to be fair to Klopp's side, but the knowledge that top striker Robert Lewandowski is joining Bayern next season is unlikely to improve the mood.
Lewandowski scored four goals in one game against Madrid last season. All would be forgiven if he did it again in Tuesday's second leg.
___
WOLFSBURG BULLISH
Wolfsburg harbours dreams of being among "the best of the rest" behind Bayern and has spent more than 200 million euros ($275 million) on new players over the past five seasons to qualify for Europe. The Volkswagen-backed club is currently fifth, just one point off Bayer Leverkusen in the last Champions League qualification place.
"We want to take the chance and finish fourth," said Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking, whose side visits Dortmund on Saturday.
Wolfsburg, the 2009 Bundesliga champion, has the opportunity to return to the Champions League due to Leverkusen's poor form. Leverkusen was second but an alarming slump — just five points from eight league games — has given Wolfsburg the encouragement it needs.
___
HAMBURG IN TROUBLE
Last week's 1-1 draw with bottom side Braunschweig may have increased the pressure on Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia, but Hamburg coach Mirko Slomka is trying to stave off relegation. Hamburg is the only club to have played every season of the Bundesliga since the league was formed in 1963 and Slomka's players are under immense pressure to prevent its first relegation.
Slomka said last week the situation was "ominous" after a 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach left his side just two points above last-placed Braunschweig.
Hamburg hosts Leverkusen on Friday, when the home side will be looking for just its third win from nine games.
Hamburg striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga is out with muscle problems. However, Ivo Ilicevic could be back after recovering from his thigh strain and Milan Badelj will be back from suspension.
___
FIGHTING THE DROP
Stuttgart hosts Freiburg on Saturday for a derby both sides are desperate to win. Stuttgart occupies the relegation playoff place by virtue of a better goal difference to Hamburg, while Freiburg is five points clear but by no means safe after claiming 10 points from its last four games.
"We have to keep getting points," Freiburg striker Admir Mehmedi said. "We can only relax when it's mathematically safe."
Nuremberg is just two points above Stuttgart and will have to cope without suspended defensive players Emanuel Pogatetz and Niklas Stark against Borussia Moenchengladbach, also Saturday.
Hannover, which has been dragged back into the relegation scrap after three defeats in a row, visits bottom side Braunschweig for a high-stake Lower Saxony derby on Sunday.
"We know how special the game is for the region," Braunschweig midfielder Mirko Boland said. "But the only thing that matters for us, particularly because of the league table, is a victory. We have to win the derby."
___
BAVARIAN DERBY
Bayern remains unbeaten in 53 Bundesliga games but last week's 3-3 with Hoffenheim ended the side's 19-game winning streak in the league and — more importantly — was followed by Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Manchester in the Champions League. With one eye on Wednesday's quarterfinal return leg, Pep Guardiola will almost certainly rotate his side again for Saturday's game at Augsburg.
The title was already secured with seven games to spare and Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer warned, "A bad thing mustn't come from a good. We shouldn't get it into our heads to lose our rhythm."
Augsburg has been enjoying an excellent season, though appears to be running out of steam with just one point from four games. Markus Weinzierl has to do without his two top scorers against Bayern. Andre Hahn is suspended and Tobias Werner is out with a fractured eye socket. Defender Ragnar Klavan is also doubtful with thigh problems.
- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/5-things-to-know-as-relegation-battles-take-centre-stage-in-bundesliga-bayern-still-unbeaten-1.941048#sthash.EhsLeDXy.dpuf

Friday 4 April

Hamburger SV vs Bayer Leverkusen  2-1

Saturday 5 April

VfB Stuttgart vs SC Freiburg    
FC Augsburg vs Bayern München        
Eintracht Frankfurt vs FSV Mainz 05    
Werder Bremen vs Schalke 04        
1. FC Nürnberg vs Bor. Mönchengladbach        
Borussia Dortmund vs VfL Wolfsburg
  
Sunday 6 April 

Eintr. Braunschweig vs Hannover 96        
Hertha BSC vs 1899 Hoffenheim
 
Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern        28    25  3    0        82:16       78
2      Dortmund         28    17   4    7       62:31       55
3      Schalke             28    16   6    6       53:37       54
4      Leverkusen       29    15   3  11       48:36       48
5      Wolfsburg         28    14   5    9       48:42      47
6      M'gladbach       28    13   6    9       49:34       45 
7      Mainz               28    13   5   10       41:43       44 
8      Augsburg          28    11   6   11       40:43      39
9      Hoffenheim       28     9   9    10      63:62      36
10    Hertha BSC      28    10   6    12      36:39      36
11    Frankfurt           28     8   8    12      35:48       32
12    Bremen              28     8   8  12       33:54       32
13    Hannover           28     8   5  15       36:51       29
14    Freiburg            28      7   8  13       33:50       29
15    Hamburg           29      7   6  16       45:60       27
16    Nürnberg           28      5 11  12       34:52       26
17    Stuttgart            28      6   6  16       42:57       24
18    B'schweig         28      5    7  16      25:50       22