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

Bundesliga Matchday 32 Roundup - Dortmund Seals Championship

With seven games  in the books, Borussia Dortmund has secured the Bundesliga championship with still two matchdays to go.  FC Bayern edged out a last minute victory against Werder Bremen, all but destroying Werder's chances for a Euroleague berth next season.  Kaiserslautern, already  relegated, defeated Berlin 2-1, making it the second candidate headed for relegation, short of a miracle.  Stuttgart with its draw against Koeln will qualify for the Euroleague but the chances for a Champions League spot are all but erased.  Mainz's draw with Wolfsburg will ensure that the team remains in the Bundesliga.  Nuernberg assured a spot in the Bundesliga next season by picking up a point against Hamburg.

Hamburg is not out of danger yet, while Freiburg can get the insurance with a win tomorrow against Hannover. Augsburg, which hosts Schalke tomorrow will want to pick up additional points to provide that special assurance.

While FC Bayern played with a second string team for almost 70 minutes, it became clear that Jupp Heynckes was not willing to concede a loss.  He substituted his regulars, Mario Gomez, Frank Ribery and Toni Kroos.  The plot worked and Munich scored two goals after the change.  On to Madrid for the record champion with a well rested team.

Schalke 04 traveled to Augsburg, for a match that was important for both teams.  Schalke could have increased its lead in third place over Gladbach, while had a chance to increase the three point buffer to the relegation zone. With a 1-1 draw, Schalke has a two point buffer on Gladbach, while Augsburg now has a four point buffer over 16th place Cologne.  Freiburg is all but certain to avoid relegation, while Hannover is still battling for a coveted Euro League spot.
Bundesliga Reaction to Dortmund's second consecutive championship


 Bundesliga Promotion for Season 2012/13

SpVgg Greuther Fuerth and Eintracht Frankfurt will be joining the Bundesliga next season.  The third spot, which has to be decided with a relegation playoff, will in all likelihood be fought for between Duesseldorf, St. Pauli and Paderborn, who have 60, 59 and 58 points respectively with two matchdays remaining.  Frankfurt has a game in hand and plays 2nd league taillight Allemania Aachen tomorrow. A win by more than one goal would put Frankfurt into the 2nd Liga lead.

20.04.2012, 20.30    FSV Mainz 05 -    VfL Wolfsburg                              0-0 
21.04.2012, 15.30    1. FC Nürnberg -    Hamburger SV                             1-1   
21.04.2012, 15.30    Hertha BSC Berlin -    1. FC Kaiserslautern               1-2   
21.04.2012, 15.30    1. FC Köln -    VfB Stuttgart                                       1-1   
21.04.2012, 15.30    1899 Hoffenheim -    Bayer Leverkusen                      0-1  
21.04.2012, 15.30    Werder Bremen -    Bayern München                          1-2   
21.04.2012, 18.30    Borussia Dortmund -    Bor. Mönchengladbach          2-0   
22.04.2012, 15.30    FC Augsburg -    Schalke 04                                        1-1   
22.04.2012, 17.30    Hannover 96 -    SC Freiburg                                       0-0

Bundesliga Table
                                                    GP       W    D    L        GF/A        Pts
1Borussia Dortmund                    32      23    6    3         71:23          75
2Bayern München                        32      21   4     7         71:21          67
3Schalke 04                                  32      18   4   10         67:42          58
4Borussia Mönchengladbach       32      16   8     8         46:24          56
5VfB Stuttgart                               32     14   8   10         57:42          50
6Bayer Leverkusen                       32      13   9     9         48:41          48
7Hannover 96                                32     11  12     9         39:43          45
8Hoffenheim                                 32     10  11   11          38:41          42
9Werder Bremen                           32     11    9   12          45:52          42
10Wolfsburg                                 32      12   5   15           42:56          41
111. FC Nürnberg                         32      11   6   15           34:43          39
12FSV Mainz 05                           32        9  11 12            47:48          38
13SC Freiburg                               32        9  10  13           41:56          37
14Hamburger SV                           32        8  11  13           35:56          35
15FC Augsburg                             32         7  13  12          35:49          34
161. FC Köln                                 32         8    6  18          37:66          30
17Hertha BSC Berlin                     32         6  10  16         38:59          28
181. FC Kaiserslautern                  32         4   11  17         21:47          23

Bundesliga Friday Game Feature - Stuttgart defeats Bremen 4-1

Both Stuttgart and Bremen started off with equal opportunities, however Stuttgart started dominating quickly.  Bremen concentrated primarily on counters.  Markus Rosenberg opened the scoring in the 27th minute after a high pass in front of the net by Mark Marin, all Rosenberg had to do is finish it off by by placing it in the left corner of the net.

Stuttgart continued to dominate, but it wasn't until the 27th minute that they were rewarded.  The ball appeared 25 meters from the goal when Christian Gentner fired, what can only be described as a bomb, which entered the goal on the right top corner.  Bremen's keeper Wiese didn't  have a chance.

Stuttgart took the lead just before half time after corner delivered by Tama Hajnal.  Georg Niedermeier was at the receiving end and headed the ball toward the net.  Tim Wiese saved the ball off the line, but Martin Harnik got the rebound heading it into the net from approximately one meter distance.  This was Harnik's 16th goal of the season.

Stuttgart led 2-1 at halftime and the hard work of the Schwaben had paid off.  Harnik got his second of the day and his 17th for the season when Tamas Hajnal once again delivered a pass into the five meter area.  The ball missed everyone except Harnik who pushed it into the goal for a 3-1 lead.

Caucau replaced Harnik in the 86th minute and it was just three minutes later that he raised the score to 4-1 for his sixth goal of the season.  The goal came off a freekick by Gotoku Sakai, who lifted the ball into the five meter area, where Caucau put the ball past Wiese.

The win was well deserved for the Schwaben, who provided an excellent game for their fans.  The win gives Stuttgart 49 points and assures they stay in fifth place, presently five points ahead of Leverkusen and Hannover 96.

Five games are on tab tomorrow including the top game between Schalke and Dortmund.  Bayern plays Mainz 05 in the Saturday evening game.

Weekend fixtures:

13.04.12,20.30     VfB Stuttgart     -     Werder Bremen                 4-1
14.04.12,15.30     Kaiserslautern     -     1. FC Nürnberg                (-:-)
14.04.12,15.30     VfL Wolfsburg     -     FC Augsburg                  (-:-)
14.04.12,15.30     Hamburger SV     -     Hannover 96                   (-:-)
14.04.12,15.30     Schalke 04     -     Borussia Dortmund               (-:-)
14.04.12,15.30     Bayer Leverkusen     -     Hertha BSC Berlin    (-:-)
14.04.12,18.30     Bayern München     -     FSV Mainz 05             (-:-)
15.04.12,15.30     Mönchengladbach     -     1. FC Köln                 (-:-)
15.04.12,17.30     SC Freiburg     -     1899 Hoffenheim                (-:-)