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

Bundesliga Matchday 28: Hoffenheim ends Bayern 19 game winning streak.

Bayern out to set more Bundesliga records was stopped from adding the 20th consecutive win this season.  Bayern, which rested Neuer, Mueller, Robben and others, in anticipation of its match next weekend against Manchester United at Old Trafford, went down 1-0 after 23 minutes when Modeste defeated Starke.  Bayern answered with three goals, Pizzaro (31, 40th) and Shaqiri in the 34th minute, before Hoffenheim closed the gap with Salihovic's goal in the 44th.  Hoffeheim scored again in the 75th with Firmino's shot, to take away one point from the Allianz Arena.  Bayern extended its undefeated streak to 52, and can still finish the season undefeated, while scoring a record amount of goals.

Shalke 04 defeated Berlin 2-0 with goals by Obasi (16th) and Huntelaar in the 46th.  Schalke moved within one point of second placed Dortmund and remains six points ahead of Leverkusen.  Berlin is currently in sixth spot.   Fourth placed Leverkusen and Bundesliga tail light Eintracht Braunschweig battled to a 1-1 draw, with Reichel putting the Berliners on the scoreboard in the 47th,  but Stefan Kiessling got the equalizer in the 53rd on a penalty shot.

VFL Wolfsburg upped Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 with Aigner getting the first counter  for the Eagles in the 11th minute.  Wolfsburg upped the ante in the second half with goals by Olic in the 69th and Naldo in the 89th for a 2-1 home win.  Wolfsburg remains a contender for a Champions League spot, trailing Leverkusen by just one point.  Frankfurt remains in 11ths spot with 32 points.

Borussia Dortmund walked away with three points at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Stuttgart. Stuttgart took an early 2-0 lead with goals by Gentner (9th) and Harnik in the 19th minute.  Marco Reus narrow the gap in the 30th minute, which left Stuttgart with  a 2-1 halftime lead.  In the second frame, Reus scored on a penalty in the 68th, before getting the winner in the 83rd.  Dortmund retains second spot by one point, while Stuttgart remains in 17th spot and in danger of relegation. FSV Mainz overwhelmed FC Augsburg 3-0, with  Bungerts goal in the 23rd minute and an own goal by Augsburg's Hitz in the 38th.  Geis had the final strike in the 83rd.  Mainz is currently in sixth spot and has a real shot at the Euro League and a chance for Champions League competition.  Augsburg is in eighth place.

Saturday's  late game saw Freiburg and Nuernber, both in a relegation fight in a tit for tat blow of attacking thrilling football.  Pogatetz put Nuernberg in the lead in the sixth minute, and Krmas got the draw for Freiburg in the 23rd.  Drmic's penalty shot in the 45th gave Nuernberg the 2-1 lead at the half.  Mehmedi's penalty equalized the match in the 53rd minute, while Klaus got the winner for Freiburg in the 65th minute.  While the win made a gap for Freiburg from the relegation zone, the club is only separated by five points.  Nuernberg is two points ahead of the play off releagation spot.

Gladbach moved into sixth spot after defeating Hamburg 3-1.  Hamburg took the lead with Zoua's goal in the 28th minute, and Daem got the equalizer in the 36th for a 1-1 after the first frame.  Raffael moved Gladbach ahead in the 75th minute and  Dominguez made it 3-1 in the 78th.  Hamburg continues its struggle against relegation in 24th spot, equal with troubled Stuttgart.

Hannover 96 and Werder Bremen went head to head, equal in points, prior to this important match.  While the game lacked  in skill, it wasn't short on enthusiasm. Both teams were aware what the stakes were.  A win would create some breathing space from the relegation zone.  Werder Bremen had the majority of possession during the first half, but it was Hannover's Huszti who scored in the 43rd minute for the lead.  Franco DiSanto got the equalizer for Bremen in the 57th minute.  The teams went tit for tat, with equal possession and goal opportunities for most of the second half.  In the end it was Proedl's last minute goal that earned the three points of Bremen, giving the side an eight point gap from the relegation zone.  Hannover must continue to sweat with just a five point gap. 

Friday 28 March
Schalke 04 vs Hertha BSC   2-0

Saturday 29 March
   
Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintr. Braunschweig       1-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt       2-1
VfB Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund       2-3
Bayern München vs 1899 Hoffenheim    3-3   
FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Augsburg       3-0
SC Freiburg vs 1. FC Nürnberg  3-2

Sunday 30 March
   
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Hamburger SV       3-1
Hannover 96 vs Werder Bremen   1-2

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       28    15   3  10       47:34       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
14    Bremen              28     8   8  12       33:54       32
12    Hannover           28     8   5  15       36:51       29
13    Freiburg            28      7   8  13       33:50       29
15    Nürnberg           28      5 11  12       34:52       26
17    Stuttgart            28      6   6  16       42:57       24
16    Hamburg           28      6   6  16       43:59       24
18    B'schweig         28      5    7  16      25:50       22

Bundesliga Matchday 28: Bayern goes for my records, Stuttgart faces adversity

The Bundesliga Magazine is the DFL's weekly TV programme, offering a global audience a unique perspective on Germany's top flight throughout the season. We have in-depth previews of the upcoming league action, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes reports, the best goals from the latest league encounters and much more besides.Read more at: http://www.sport.net/goal-the-bundesliga-magazine-matchday-28-preview_157913

The Bundesliga Magazine is the DFL's weekly TV programme, offering a global audience a unique perspective on Germany's top flight throughout the season. We have in-depth previews of the upcoming league action, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes reports, the best goals from the latest league encounters and much more besides.Read more at: http://www.sport.net/goal-the-bundesliga-magazine-matchday-28-preview_157913

The Bundesliga Magazine is the DFL's weekly TV programme, offering a global audience a unique perspective on Germany's top flight throughout the season. We have in-depth previews of the upcoming league action, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes reports, the best goals from the latest league encounters and much more besides.Read more at: http://www.sport.net/goal-the-bundesliga-magazine-matchday-28-preview_157913

Although Bayern may have won the Bundesliga title last Tuesday, there are still lots of records to break or increase for the record champion.  They can continue their undefeated streak, achieve more than 101 goals or go undefeated for the complete season.  Every game brings a new record.

Hoffenheim will be the next side with an attempt to trip up the Bayern side, which has collected 39 points thus far from their home matches, scoring an impressive 39 goals.

Schalke, with just one point behind second placed Dortmund will open the matchday on Friday evening,  hoping to pick up three points and continue the close race for second spot. Newcomer Berlin has recently slipped to ninth spot and a win would keep the side in competition for a Euro League spot.

Dortmund travels to Stuttgart.   The Schwaben are currently in 17th spot and Dortmund is another obstacle for the side's relegation battle.  Dortmund requires a win to hold on to spot two. 

Leverkusen host Bundesliga tail light Eintracht Braunschweig.  After a succesfful start into the season, the factory team has been in a slump since the winter break, holding on to fourth spot with just three points ahead of Wolfsburg, and four points behind Gladbach. Continuing on its path, the side is in danger of losing a champions league spot.  Braunschweig is five points short of leaving relegation and must win if any hope to remain in the league is to be realized.  Wolfsburg meets a much improved Frankfurt side.  A win could move the side even with Leverkusen. Frankfurt is in a position to avoid relegation and a win could further guarantee a start in the top flight.

Mainz vs Augsburg should be one of the better matches this weekend.  Both sides play spirited soccer with lots of forward movement.  A draw is probably the best result, but either side can win.  Both sides have a shot at a Euro League spot.

Freiburg and Nuernberg are both threatened with relegation.  Freiburg has the home adavantage in a match that is a  must win for both sides.  Sunday Gladbach hosts Hamburg and on paper this should be an easy task for Gladbach.  Hamburg is fighting for  lifeline.  A loss would send HSV further into the abyss of relegation.  Gladbach has a shot at the Euro League. The final match on Sunday sees Hannover at Bremen.




Friday 28 March
Schalke 04 vs Hertha BSC   

Saturday 29 March
   
Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintr. Braunschweig       
VfL Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt       
VfB Stuttgart vs Borussia Dortmund       
Bayern München vs 1899 Hoffenheim       
FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Augsburg       
SC Freiburg vs 1. FC Nürnberg

Sunday 30 March
   
Bor. Mönchengladbach vs Hamburger SV       
Hannover 96 vs Werder Bremen   

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         27    25   2    0      79:12       77
2      Dortmund         27    16   4    7       59:29       52
3      Schalke             27    15   6    6       51:37       51
4      Leverkusen       27    15   2  10       46:33       47
5      Wolfsburg         27    13   5    9       46:41       44
6      M'gladbach       27    12   6    9       51:32       42 
7      Mainz               27    12   5   10       38:43       41 
8      Augsburg          27    11   6   10       40:40      39
9      Hertha BSC      27    10   6    11      36:37      36
10    Hoffenheim       27     9   8    10      60:59      35
11    Frankfurt           27     8   8    11      34:36       32
12    Hannover           27     8   5  14       35:49       29
13    Bremen              27     7   8  12       31:53       29
14    Nürnberg           27      5 11  11       32:49       26
15    Freiburg            27      6   8  13       30:48       26
16    Hamburg           27      6   6  15       42:56       24
17    Stuttgart            27      6   6  15       39:54       24
18    B'schweig         27      5    6  16      24:49       21

Bundesliga Matchday 27: Bayern captures title with seven matchdays remaining

Toni Kroos deflected a botched clearance into the net to give Bayern an early lead in the 6th minute.  Mario Goetze's 16th minute header on Bastian Schweinsteiger's pass, gave the record champion a 2-0 half time lead.  Berlin's Ramos pulled one back on a penalty kick in the 66th minute, before  Frank Ribery ensured the 3-1 win. With a 25 point lead on top of the table, FC Bayern won their 24th Bundesliga title in record time, with seven matchdays remaining.

The local derby of second placed Dortmund and third placed Schalke 04 resulted in a scoreless draw, leaving the two sides one point apart at 52 and 51 points respectively and seven points ahead of Leverkusen.  League taillight Eintracht Braunschweig defeated Mainz 05, which is in a position to capture a Euro League spot, 3-1.

Werder Bremen dropped three points at home to VFL Wolfsburg, moving the wolves into fifth spot, equal in points with Leverkusen at 44.  Tuesday's results left the relegation race tight, with Freiburg, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Nuernberg and Braunschweig in a fight to avoid relegation as the season draws to a conclusion.  Freiburg,  Stuttgart, Hamburg and Nuernberg play on Wednesday.

While the 2013/2014 championship has been decided, the fight for relegation, Champions League and Euro League continue.  Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke with a seven point lead over the remainder of the field should be qualified, but the fourth spot is yet to be decided.  Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Moenchengladbach and Mainz are in contention, while Augsburg, Berlin and Hoffenheim still  have a shot at Euro League qualification.

Wednesday's result, which saw five relegation endangered sides in action,  tightened the battle, with only five points separating Braunschweig (18th) and Nuernberg (14th).  While Frankfurt with it's win over Gladbach, the Eagles (11th) gained some space, but are not out of the water yet.  Leverkusen walked away with three points in Augsburg and retain fourth spot with four points ahead of Wolfsburg.   Gladbach's loss in Frankfurt leaves the side just one point ahead of Mainz, which lost its match yesterday in Braunschweig. 

Bundesliga action continues on Friday evening.
.


Tuesday 25 March

Hertha BSC vs Bayern München       1-3
Eintr. Braunschweig vs FSV Mainz 05  3-1    
Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04       0-0
Werder Bremen vs VfL Wolfsburg   1-3

Wednesday 26 March
   
Hamburger SV vs SC Freiburg    1-1   
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bor. Mönchengladbach    1-0   
FC Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen       1-3
1. FC Nürnberg vs VfB Stuttgart       2-0
1899 Hoffenheim vs Hannover 96   3-1

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         27    25   2    0      79:12       77
2      Dortmund         27    16   4    7       59:29       52
3      Schalke             27    15   6    6       51:37       51
4      Leverkusen       27    15   2  10       46:33       47
5      Wolfsburg         27    13   5    9       46:41       44
6      M'gladbach       27    12   6    9       51:32       42 
7      Mainz               27    12   5   10       38:43       41 
8      Augsburg          27    11   6   10       40:40      39
9      Hertha BSC      27    10   6    11      36:37      36
10    Hoffenheim       27     9   8    10      60:59      35
11    Frankfurt           27     8   8    11      34:36       32
12    Hannover           27     8   5  14       35:49       29
13    Bremen              27     7   8  12       31:53       29
14    Nürnberg           27      5 11  11       32:49       26
15    Freiburg            27      6   8  13       30:48       26
16    Hamburg           27      6   6  15       42:56       24
17    Stuttgart            27      6   6  15       39:54       24
18    B'schweig         27      5    6  16      24:49       21

Bundesliga Matchday 27: A Bayern win today wraps up Bundesliga Championship

When Bayern meets Hertha BSC Berlin in the capital today, the club can capture the league championship with a win.  It would also be the 52nd undefeated match.

On Tuesday three more matches take place, when league taillight hosts Mainz 05, which is currently in sixth spot, with a real shot to overtake Leverkusen in fourth spot.   Mainz has recently fired on all four cylinders again and should come out on top.  Dortmund is in a face off against Schalke 04.  The two sides, in second and third place respectively are only separated by one point.  Schalke have been rivals in a local derby for some time.  This has to be the top match for today.  Finally Werder Bremen hosts the factory side from Wolfsburg.  Bremen currently in 11th spot will have their hands full, Wolfsburg is in seventh spot equal with Mainz 05 in points.

On Wednesday beleaguered Hamburg battles Freiburg, a side that last weekend made it out of the relegation zone.  Hamburg, is fighting for its survival in the Bundesliga, while Armin Veh's Freiburg side want to reinforce the success of last weekend.  Eintracht Frankfurt, which has created some distance away from the relegation zone, will be hosting Gladbach, a side within reach of a Champions League spot.  A Gladbach win, combined with a loss by Leverkusen, will propel the side into that coveted fourth spot.  Leverkusen will play at Augsburg, with a good chance of dropping another three points.  Augsburg is aiming for the top six and a Euro League spot.  Leverkusen has had trouble since the winter break, another loss would be devastating.   Nuernberg,  currently second last in the league will host VFB Stuttgart.   Only one point separates the side. Nuernberg should capture at lest one, if not all three points.  Hoffenheim and Hannover meet in the final match on Sunday.  Both teams have been inconsistent.  It is for both sides to win.


Tuesday 25 March

Hertha BSC vs Bayern München       1-3
Eintr. Braunschweig vs FSV Mainz 05  3-1    
Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04       0-0
Werder Bremen vs VfL Wolfsburg   1-3

Wednesday 26 March
   
Hamburger SV vs SC Freiburg       
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bor. Mönchengladbach       
FC Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen       
1. FC Nürnberg vs VfB Stuttgart       
1899 Hoffenheim vs Hannover 96   

Posn  Team             GP   W   D   L    GF/GA   Points

1      FC Bayern         27    25   2    0      79:12       77
2      Dortmund         27    16   4    7       59:29       52
3      Schalke             27    15   6    6       51:37       51
4      Leverkusen       26    14   2  10       43:32       44
5      Wolfsburg         27    13   5    9       46:41       44
5      M'gladbach       26    12   6    8       51:31       42 
6      Mainz               27    12   5   10       38:43       41 
8      Augsburg          26    11   6    9        39:37      39
9      Hertha BSC      27    10   6    11      36:37      36
10    Hoffenheim       26     8   8    10      57:58      32
11    Bremen              27     7   8  12       31:53       29
12    Hannover           26     8   5  13       34:46       29
13    Frankfurt           26      6  8   11       33:46       29
14    Freiburg            26      6   7  13       29:47       25
15    Stuttgart            26      6   6  14       39:52       24
16    Hamburg           26      6   5  15       41:55       23
17    Nürnberg           26      4 11  11       30:49       23
18    B'schweig         27      5    6  16      24:49       21