Bundesliga Matchday 4 Preview 27 August - 1 September

Bundesliga Matchday 4 will be stretched from Tuesday to Sunday in consideration of Bayern Munich's Champions League Supercup encounter with Chelsea on Friday August 30.  There is also midweek activity for Eintracht Frankfurt against Quarabag and VFB Stuttgart against Rijeka in the Euro Leauge Playoff round.  Thursday FC Schalke 04 travels to PAOK in the Champions League Qualifying round.  The Champions League Group Stage draw will be made on Thursday as well.

This week's Bundesliga opener will be on Tuesday with FC Bayern traveling to Freiburg to continue on its path of a perfect record in four matchday.  Freiburg will have a voice in this and with only one point will be determined to defeat Bayern at home.  Bayern's new acquisition Thiago will be out for seven weeks due to a ligament injury, which requires surgery.  Mario Goetze made his debut with Bayern against Nuernberg, but still requires game fitness.  Pep Guardiola will also have to take Friday's game against Chelsea into consideration.  Bayern is the clear favourite in Freiburg and should win by two goals.

Four teams, Dortmund, Leverkusen, Bayern and Mainz have earned all three points in three matchdays.  Dortmund travels to Frankfurt on Sunday and is the clear favourite.  If Dortmund can take care of its defensive side, the Borussen should win by at least two goals.  Leverkusen travels to Schalke on Saturday.  Schalke has a match on Thursday and has not played up to its potential so far this season.  The extra stress of the Euro League will be a factor for Schalke and Leverkusen seems to be firing on all cylinders.  The nod has to go to Kiessling and company.

FSV Mainz travels to Hannover on Saturday and this match could go either way.  A slight home game advantage goes to Hannover.  VFB Stuttgart and Eintracht Braunschweig are still chasing their first point, having lost the first three season matches.  Stuttgart, which plays on Thursday in the Euro Leauge also hosts Hoffenheim on Sunday.  This is a game that could go either way and may end up in draw.  Braunschweig travels to Hamburg on Saturday.  Braunschweig has lost its first three matches, while Hamburg only has one point.  A slight advantage goes to Hamburg.

The remaining two matches see Nuernberg hosting Augsburg.  Nuernberg has drawn two matches and lost one, while Augsburg lost two and won one.   This is another Bavarian derby match and should provide ample entertainment to fans.  No matter how it turns out it should be close with home team advantage to Nuernberg. Gladbach hosts Bremen and Bremen has won two matches and lost one.  Gladbach won one and lost two.  This should be another nail biter.  Berlin travels to Wolfsburg for a match that should be interesting.  Can Berlin continue to remain undefeated. With seven points in three starts, Hertha has had an excellent start in the Bundesliga. 

This week's question is whether or not the front runners can win their fourth consecutive match and if Stuttgart and Eintracht Braunschweig can finally win some points. All eyes will be on Friday's FC Bayern vs Chelsea game, when the Bundesliga once again measures itself against the Barclay's Premier League.   Bayern will be ready. 

Tuesday 27 August

SC Freiburg vs Bayern München 1-1

Saturday 31 August

Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Werder Bremen
Hannover 96 vs FSV Mainz 05   
VfL Wolfsburg vs Hertha BSC   
1. FC Nürnberg vs FC Augsburg   
Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Braunschweig  
Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen

Sunday 1 September
 
VfB Stuttgart vs 1899 Hoffenheim   
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund

    
Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------4----3----1-----0-------7-2-------10
2--------Borussia Dortmund-----------3----3----0-----0-------7:1--------9
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------3----3----0-----0-------8:3--------9
4--------Mainz 05-----------------------3----3----0-----0-------7:3--------9
5------- Hertha BSC Berlin------------2----2----1-----0------9:3---------7
6--------Werder Bremen----------------3----2----0-----1------2:1---------6
7--------Hannover 96--------------------3----2----0-----1------4:3---------6
8--------1899 Hoffenheim---------------3----1----2-----0-----10:6--------5
9--------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------3----1----0-----2------4:4---------3
10-------Borussia M'gladbach-----------3----1----0-----2------5:7--------3
11--------Eintracht Frankfurt------------3----1----0-----2-------3:7--------3
12--------FCAugsburg-------------------3----1----0-----2--------2:6--------3
13-------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------3----0----2-----1-------4:6---------2
14-------SC Freiburg---------------------4----0----2-----2-------6:9---------2
15-------Hamburg------------------------3----0----1-----2-------5:8---------1
16--------FC Schalke 04-----------------3----0----1-----2-------4:9---------1
17--------VFB Stuttgart------------------3----0----0-----3-------3:6---------0
18--------Eintracht Braunschweig------3----0----0-----3-------1:5---------0

Bundesliga Matchday 3 - Dortmund, Bayern, Leverkusen, Mainz lead the pack

Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, FC Bayern Muenchen and Mainz 05 won their three opening matches in the new season and are ahead of the field, leading with nine points. One goal separates Dortmund from Leverkusen and Bayern, while Mainz trails by two.

Borussia Dortmund vs SV Werder Bremen 1-0

Despite Borussia's overwhelming dominance over Bremen it wasn't until the second half that the Champions League finalists was able to get on the scoreboard.  Robert Lewandowski scored in the 55th minute to earn the three points for Dortmund and secure its lead in the Bundesliga.  Werder Bremen to its credit played a compact game in the defence and avoided a roll over.  Dortmund managed to open the Bremen defence more often in the second half, but was unable to convert some excellent scoring opportunities. Despite the loss, Bremen remains in sixth spot.

FC Bayern Muenchen vs 1. FC Nuernberg  2-0

Another derby and another win for the men from southern Bavaria.  The match wasn't without difficulty for Bayern though.  Pep Guardiola opted to start Mario Goetze and Thiago for this match, leaving Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos on the bench.  Bayern had difficulty cracking the Nuernberg defence in the first half and David Alaba, who normally is a sure bet for penalty kick, missed one in the 33rd minute.  Thus the sides were scoreless at the half.  Bayern continued its domination in the second half but it wasn't until Thomas Mueller came in for Thiago in the 62nd minute and Toni Kroos came on for Mario Goetze in the 68th that Bayern's fortunes improved.  In the 69th minute Ribery put the European champion on the scoreboard and Arjen Robben put Bayern ahead 2-0 in the 78th.  This leaves Bayern third place with one goal behind Dortmund in the top spot.  Nuernberg moved to 11th spot.


Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Moenchengladbach 4-2

In an exciting match Bayer Leverkusen went on to take its third victory in the new season.  Right from the start Leverkusen took control and lead 2-0 by the 28th minute with goals by Kiessling (23rd) and Sam (28th).  This is how the teams went into the half time break.  Gladbach showed a breath of fresh air in the second half and got the equalizer by the 57th minute.  Stranzl scored in the 54th minute and Arango tied the game in the 57th.  After that it was mostly Leverkusen, which edged out more scoring opportunities.  Sam scored the 3-2 at the 60 minute mark and Castro put Leverkusen ahead 4-2 in the 72nd minute.  Leverkusen remains in second place, while Gladbach moved to tenth. 

Hannover 96 vs Schalke 04 2-1

Trouble keeps mounting for the Schalke side.  The club that is vying for a spot in the Champions League dropped another three points and currently holds 14th spot in the league, a place they would not have envisioned to be in three weeks ago.  Hannover was the dominating team in the first half and this was partly due to Hoewedes red card in the 14th minute.  In fact Hannover which led with goals by Huszti (14th) and Diout (42nd) after the first half could have had a much higher lead. Schalke made a courageous attempt in the second half and Szalai made the score a respectable 2-1 in the 55th minute.  Hannover was able to hang on an capture the three points and move into sixth spot. 

1899 Hoffenheim vs SC Freiburg 3-3 


Both teams approached the game with vigour.  Sejad Salihovic scored the opener for Hoffenheim in the ninth, unfortunately it was also accompanied by a send off for overenthusiastic celebration.  Despite the early lead, Freiburg wasn't phased and got the equalizer in the 13th minute with Oliver Sorg's goal. Kevin Volland again got the lead for Hoffenheim in the 25th minute.  Karim Guede got the equalizer for Freiburg in the 29th for a 2-2 score at the half.  The second half continued to be entertaining and Freis put Freiburg ahead for the first time in the game in the 65th minute. But once again Hoffenheim got the equalizer in the 77th minute when Strobl got a netter.   Hoffenheim is currently in 7th spot and Freiburg earned its first point for the season and is in 13th spot.

Main 05 vs VFL Wolfsburg 2-0

Mainz is one of four teams that have now won all three games of the new season.  Wolfsburg was the better team on the pitch unitl Choupo-Moting scored for Mainz in the 60th minute.  This was followed by a second yellow card and a send off of former Bayern player Gustavo in the 64th minute.  Mainz secured the 2-0 win in the 78th minute.  This was a hard pill to swallow for Wolfsburg, which has now slipped to ninth spot. Mainz remains in fourth.

Hertha BSC Berlin vs Hamburger SV 1-0

In hard fought match, which boiled down to hard work, Berlin came out on top of Hamburg.  Hamburg did not impress over all compared to the newly promoted club.  Offense was far and in between and it wasn't until Ramos scored for Berlin in the 74th minute that Hamburg attempted a real push, which was too little to late. Hamburg has one point in three games and rests in 12th spot, while Berlin after three games with seven points occupies fifth.

Eintracht Braunschweig vs Eintracht Frankfurt  0-2

Frankfurt was the dominating side from the start and put pressure on Braunschweig throughout the match.  During the first 45 the side was unable to convert opportunities into goals.  A revitalized Frankfurt side came out in the second half and Alexander Meier, who has scored four of Frankfurts six competition games this season scored in the 52nd minute.   Stefan Aigner netted in the 62nd, giving Frankfurt its first win this season.  Frankfurt moves into 11th place, while Braunschweig is currently in 17th spot.

FC Augsburg vs VFB Stuttgart  2-1

Stuttgart lost their third match of the season and continues to linger at the bottom  of the league.  For Augsburg it was their first victory of the season, primarily due to it more vigorous engagement and quick counters.  Altintop and Callston-Bracker scored for Augsburg in the 6th and 36th minute before Ibesivic narrowed the score to 2-1 just before the half in the 42nd minute.  Augsburg started the second half as they finished the first and Stuttgart became shorthanded after Traore was send off on a direct red card in the 70th minute.  The last 45 minutes belonged to Stuttgart, unfortunately it was too little too late.

23 August

Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen    1-0

24 August

FC Bayern vs Nürnberg     2-0
Bayer Leverkusen vs M'gladbach     4-2
Hannover 96 vs Schalke 04     2-1
1899 Hoffenheim vs SC Freiburg     3-3
FSV Mainz 05 vs VfL Wolfsburg     2-0
Hertha BSC vs Hamburger SV   1-0

25 August
   
Eintracht Braunschweig vs Eintracht Frankfurt  0-2
FC Augsburg vs VFB Stuttgart  2-1

Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------3----3----0-----0-------7:1--------9
2--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------3----3----0-----0-------8:3--------9
3--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------3----3----0-----0-------6-1--------9
4--------Mainz 05-----------------------3----3----0-----0-------7:3--------9
5------- Hertha BSC Berlin------------2----2----1-----0------9:3---------7
6--------Werder Bremen----------------3----2----0-----1------2:1---------6
7--------Hannover 96--------------------3----2----0-----1------4:3---------6
8--------1899 Hoffenheim---------------3----1----2-----0-----10:6--------5
9--------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------3----1----0-----2------4:4---------3
10-------Borussia M'gladbach-----------3----1----0-----2------5:7--------3
11--------Eintracht Frankfurt------------3----1----0-----2-------3:7--------3
12--------FCAugsburg-------------------3----1----0-----2--------2:6--------3
13-------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------3----0----2-----1------4:6---------2
14-------Hamburg------------------------3----0----1-----2-------5:8---------1
15-------SC Freiburg---------------------3----0----1-----2-------5:8---------1
16--------FC Schalke 04-----------------3----0----1-----2-------4:9---------1
17--------VFB Stuttgart------------------3----0----0-----3-------3:6---------0
18--------Eintracht Braunschweig------3----0----0-----3-------1:5---------0

Bundesliga Matchday 2 Roundup 17/18 August 2013

Matchday 2 is in the books and  Leading the pack is Borussia Dortmund, after their second win in the new season.  With a two goal lead in goal difference.  Four more clubs have won their second match, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Muenchen tied for second place, trailing Dortmund by two goals.  One more goal behind with a goal difference of two are  Mainz 05 and Werder Bremen.  26 goals were scored on this matchday.

While Bayern Muenchen and Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund  won their matches by a single goal, Schalke 04 was defeated handily by Wolfsburg with four goals.  Mainz edged out a 2-1 victory over SC Freiburg and Werder Bremen  won 1-0 over Augsburg.  Hoffenheim ran over Hamburg 5-1.

In the evening match Gladbach scored three times to defeat Hannover 96 for their first win in the new season.

Hertha BSC Berlin was unable to repeat its starting performance of last weekend, but edged out a draw in an away game in Nuernberg.  Borussia Dortmund dominated newcomer Eintracht Braunschweig, but was tested by Braunschweig's compact defence.  In the end Dortmund scored two goals in the second half, one on a penalty kick, before Braunschweig answered with one near the end of the match.  The win was enough to send the Westfalen to the top spot.  

Hertha BSC Berlin and Borussia Dortmund don't play until Sunday and can also win their second match.  Berlin plays Nuernberg, while Dortmund takes on Eintracht Braunschweig.

VFB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen  0-1

A single own goal by Stuttgart's Schwaab secured the narrow win for Bayer Leverkusen.  While Stuttgart dominated throughout the match, the Schwaben were unable to capitalize.  The goal was enough to secure Leverkusen's spot on top of the league, equal to Munich, while Stuttgart occupies 15th.

VFL Wolfsburg vs FC Schalke 04  4-0

Goals by Knoch (55th), Vierinha (61st), Naldo (67) and Kutschke (90th) secured the win for Wolfsburg.  The first half remained scoreless, although Wolfsburg took control of the match from the start.  After Knoch's goals ten minutes into the second half the factory team could no longer be held back.  Schalke became totally ineffective and could have lost by even a higher score.   Wolfsburg moved into 8th spot while Schalke moved to the second half of the table in 13th spot.

SV Werder Bremen vs FC Augsburg 1-0

Depsite a superb performance by Augsburg, a 22nd minute goal by Ekici, deprived Augsburg of its points. While Augsburg played superb in the midfield, the quality in their offence was lacking.  On the other end, Bremen fought hard to maintain its lead and with Lady Luck on its side, the Hanseaten secured their second win and fourth place spot.  Augsburg bring up the rear of the league in 17th place.

SC Freiburg vs Mainz 05  1-2

After a  scoreless half, Mainz took the lead in the 64th minute on Kimling's goal.  Four minutes later, in the 68th minute, Mueller netted to double the lead.  Freiburg bounced back with Freis' goal in the 71st minute, but it wasn't enough.  Mainz held Freiburg back for the remainder of the match to ensure a 2-1 win.  Mainz is currently in third spot while Freiburg moved into 16th.

Hamburger SV vs 1899 Hoffenheim 1-5

Refreshing and entertaining offensive play gave Hoffenheim the clear advantage in this match. Firmino opened the scoring for Hoffenheim in the 5th minute, but Klaas Van der Vaart got the equalizer in the 44th minute  After Vollands got the go ahead goal in the 50th minute, Modeste netted twice in the 67th and 74th minute.   Firmino put the final nail in the coffin at the 77 minute mark.  Hoffenheim moves into 5th spot and Hamburg moves to 12th.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs FC Bayern Muenchen  0-1

Mandzukic's goal in the 12th minute was all that Bayern needed to take the three points.  Bayern was unable to capitalize on their overwhelming dominance and had the fans holding their breath a few times, especially when Frankfurt threatened, but there attempts were foiled by Manuel Neuer.  This match should have easily been a three goal win.  Regardless, Bayern established a club record with the 27th undefeated league game.  Despite Frankfurt's second loss, this was a much better performance than their first match in Berlin.  Frankfurt remains at the bottom of the league and Bayern is on top with Leverkusen.

Moenchengladbach vs Hannover 96  3-0

Kruse gave Gladbach a half time 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.  Kramer doubled the score in the 53rd, while Dames scored Gladbach's third in the  66th minute.  Gladbach played a disciplined tactical game in the defence while connecting with plenty of combinations offensively.  Hannover looked shaky in its defence and appeared without imagination or plan to succeed offensively.  Gladbach moves into 9th spot while Hannover occupies tenth.

1. FC Nuernberg vs Hertha BSC Berlin 2-2

Nuernberg's Drmic got the lead in the 40th minute and Berlin came back in the 61st minute with Allagui's goal and took the lead with a goal by Ronny in the 78th minute. In the final minutes of the match when it looked like another victory for Berlin, Kiotake scored from a direct free kick and saved one point for the Franken.  Despite the last minute goal, newcomer Berlin can take solace in the fact that they took a point in their first away match.  Berlin moved into sixth place, while Nuernberg occupies 11th.

Borussia Dortmund vs Eintracht Braunschweig  2-1

Braunschweig's compact defence made it difficult for Borussia Dortmund to find the net.  After 45 minutes the match was scoreless.  The second half saw Dortmund with the majority of the possession.  Braunschweig seldom ventured out of its own half.  Jonas Hofmann, who came in as a substitute in the 68th minute got the go ahead goal for Dortmund.  A penalty kick by Reus in the 86th gave Dortmund a two goal lead.  Braunschweig's Kratz narrowed the score to 2-1 in the 89th minute.  Braunschweig narrowly lost it first two debut matches and occupies 15th spot. Dortmund's win moved the Westfalen into top spot in the Bundesliga on goal difference.  Four more teams, Leverkusen, FC Bayern, Mainz 05 and Werder Bremen,  remain undefeated after two matchdays.

Saturday August 17, 2013

VfB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen     0-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs Schalke 04              4-0
Werder Bremen vs FC Augsburg         1-0
SC Freiburg vs FSV Mainz 05             1-2
Hamburger SV vs 1899 Hoffenheim    1-5   
Eintracht Frankfurt vs FC Bayern        0-1
M'gladbach vs Hannover 96                 3-0

Sunday 18 August
  
Nürnberg vs Hertha BSC       2-2
Borussia Dortmund vs E. Braunschweig 2-1


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
7--------Borussia Dortmund-----------2----2----0-----0-------6:1--------6
2--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------2----2----0-----0-------4:1-------6
3--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------2----2----0-----0-------4-1--------6
4--------Mainz 05------------------------2----2----0-----0------5:3--------6
5--------Werder Bremen----------------2----2----0-----0------2:0---------6
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------1----1----1-----0------6:2---------4
7--------1899 Hoffenheim---------------2----1----1-----0------7:3--------4
8--------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------2----1----0-----1------4:2---------3
9--------Borussia M'gladbach-----------2----1----0-----1------3:3---------3
10-------Hannover 96--------------------1----1----0-----0-------2:0--------3
11-------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------2----0----2-----0------4:4---------2
12--------Hamburg------------------------2----0----1-----1-------4:8--------1
13--------FC Schalke 04-----------------2----0----1-----1-------3:7---------1
14-------VFB Stuttgart-------------------2----0----0-----2-------2:4--------0
15--------Eintracht Braunschweig------2----0----0-----2-------1:3--------0
16-------SC Freiburg---------------------2----0----0-----2------2:5---------0
17--------FC Augsburg-------------------2----0----0-----2-------0:5--------0
18--------Eintracht Frankfurt------------2----0----0-----2-------1:7--------0

Mainz 05 Upsets Bayern 3-2

 Mainz 05 upset FC Bayern Muenchen 3-2.  The win was well deserved for the team from the Pfalz.  Bayern during the first half played with little imagination and many of their passes did not reach the intended target.  Mainz on the other hand played in top gear from the start and were rewarded.

 Just eleven minutes into the match, Mainz's Ivanschitz put the ball into the net after a perfect pass from Nicolai Mueller, moving around Manuel Neuer. Mainz took the one goal lead into half time.

The lead at half time was well deserved.  Mainz's efforts gave them more chances at goal.  Up to the 20th minute Bayern hadn't had a shot on goal.  At the end of the half the toll was 8 shots to 6 for Mainz with 11 - 6 corner kicks, although Bayern had 65% ball possession.

Although Munich had a better effort in the second half and appeared to get control of the game when Van Buyten scored the equalizer in the 56th minute.  That was an illusion though.  Mainz was not about to give up.  Caligiuri scored the go ahead goal in the 65th minute.  With a shot from 28 meters into the lower right hand corner, Neuer was defeated.  Although Neuer moved in the right direction, he was a split second late and crossed the line just next to the post.

For insurance Niko Bungert made it 3-1 for Mainz in the 74th minute.  The goal came as a result of a corner kick, when Bungert dodged Gometz and headed the ball past Neuer into the goal, his third goal of the season.  The upset was complete.

Van Buyten narrowed the score in the 76th minute, giving Munich the hope of at least an equalizer.  There was drama right to the end of the game and Mainz fans were sitting on the edge of their seats.  In the end David beat Goliath.  The record champion was defeated, moved off the top spot of the league and Borussia Dortmund is the lead leaguer, with Borussia Moenchengladbach second and Munich in third place.

 Just two weeks ago FC Bayern was hailed as the runaway champion.   Phillip Lahm had discounted that by saying it's a long season and added that in order to top the league befor the winter break all they had to do is win four games and Bayern would be two points ahead.  Obviously easier said then done.

Mainz deserved this victory and Munich needs to go back to the drawing board.  After a successful Champions League match earlier this week, they have lost their second match in a row in the Bundesliga.   Jupp Heyncke will have a few words of wisdom for them, no doubt