Bundesliga Matchday 26

 
FC Bayern München v. Hamburger SV 6:0 (1:0)

Goal Scorers: FCB – Robben 40’, 47’, 55’, Ribéry 64’, Müller 79’, Westermann 85’ (OG)

Allianz Arena – 69,000

Instead of the traditional “New Manager Bounce,” it seems that FCB are now experiencing the “Lame Duck Bounce” with Louis Van Gaal announcing that he will not be returning to Bayern at the end of the season. This managerial merry-go-round continued after the 90 minutes at the Allianz with HSV manager, Armin Veh, relieved of his managerial duties. On the field, Robben only played 70 minutes – and got a hat trick within 15 minutes around each side of the halftime whistle. Robben’s first goal was a selfish bit of skill. The better option would have been to pass, but since when does that happen? His second goal was pretty lucky – to be honest. A free kick that was intended to be a cross actually went in as Rost (HSV keeper) failed to come out, but it was still a thing of beauty. His third was from a counter attack and a through ball from Ribéry. Speaking of the Frenchman, his goal was outstanding. His celebration was ridiculous – why take your shirt off only to reveal that you are wearing a sleeveless white top? Doesn’t incite any crowd I know of… well worth a yellow!!

Bayern dominated the game and almost doubled HSV in terms of shots on target (17 to 10). Bayern warmed up for the Inter match in midweek by completing 88% of their passing. HSV had no alternative but to chase and hope to catch Bayern on the break – but to no avail.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Borussia Dortmund 1:0 (0:0)

Goal Scorers: Hoffenheim – Ibisevic 63’

Rein Neckar Arena – 30,150

The startling thing about this match was not just that Dortmund lost, but that they could/should have lost by more. Dortmund played flat throughout the match, but could have equalized in 90+4, but Hoffenheim keeper, Starke, saved Barrios’ chance. Nuri Sahin continues to do whatever he can to help his club – on the day he went 46/59 pass completion helping to contribute to Dortmund’s 16 shots. This match, however, was about Hoffenheim. It is good to see Ibisevic back on some form. A hat trick was a realistic opportunity for him in front of the home crowd, but he will have to settle for one.

1. FSV Mainz 05 v. Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0:1 (0:0)

Goal Scorers: Bayer – Augusto 82’

Stadion am Bruchweg – 20,300

This was the match of the weekend – don’t tell anyone in Bavaria. Although the score line was only 1-0 this match was played at a blistering pace. Neither team truly imposed themselves (50% possession shows that), and a 0-0 or a 1-1 would have been fair. Mainz striker (until he joins Leverkusen in the summer), Schürrle, was outstanding. He had the normally solid Leverkusen defense at six’s and seven’s. The play from Sidney Sam was pretty shocking; this came as a huge surprise, and he was subbed off at halftime because of it. Leverkusen pounced on a horrible defensive mistake to slot in the game’s only goal near the death.

FC Schalke 04 v. Eintracht Frankfurt 2:1 (1:0)

Goal Scorers: Schalke – Jurado 45’ (PK), Charisteas 84’; Eintracht – Tzavellas 70’

Veltins Arena – 61,000

What a weird weekend in the Bundesliga – Dortmund fail to win on the road, Schalke won a Bundesliga match after winning a midweek match, and Frankfurt scored a goal in 2011 (after over 800 minutes of football)! The truth is, however, Schalke looked composed in this match, although it took a spark from Raul to get Schalke going before the first half whistle. He snuck in behind the Eintracht keeper and nicked the ball away, which led to a penalty. After Frankfurt leveled it, Angelos Charisteas scored with his first touch to seal the points for the Royal Blues. Frankfurt are now hovering three points above the drop.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. SC Freiburg 2:1 (1:1)

Goal Scorers: Kaiserslautern – Nemec 34’, Hoffer 90’; Freiburg – Nemec 21’ (OG)

Fritz Walter Stadion – 41,015

Kaiserslautern was unlucky to go into halftime level on 1:1. In truth, Kaiserslautern set the pace for most of this match. After Nemec’s own goal he corrected his blushes by scoring before half time from a cross. The typical threat for Freiburg – Papiss Demba Cisse – almost put the visitors ahead and probably should have. Freiburg play an intelligent and attacking brand of football. This win will mean more to K-town as it gives them breathing room above the drop, but Freiburg’s aspirations of Europe take another hit.

FC St. Pauli v. VfB Stuttgart 1:2 (1:1)

Goal Scorers: St. Pauli – Boll 19’; VfB – Kuzmanovic 24’, Schippiock 88’

Millerntor Stadion – 24,487

To say that this result flattered VfB is an understatement. The story of this game was St. Pauli (Kiezkicker) ruing their missed opportunities. VfB came out and sat back, allowing St. Pauli to press higher and higher and Charles Takyi (St. Pauli) could have been through the Swabians’ defense after 14 minutes, but was flagged for offside. St. Pauli would get their goal through Boll (first St. Pauli player to score against VfB in the Bundesliga). VfB’s goal slid through a crowd of onlookers (sort of how Stuttgart escaped the relegation zone this week for the first time since mid-November). After the interval, the Swabians continued to sit back and allow St. Pauli to press, but misplaced passes and shots awry left this match level until “super sub" Schippiock netted the winner after 88 minutes. VfB now find themselves in 13^th, while St. Pauli dropped to the relegation playoff.

SV Werder Bremen v. Borussia Mönchengladbach 1:1 (1:0)

Goal Scorers: Bremen – Wagner 39’; Gladbach – Dante 90’

Weserstadion – 40,500

Bremen may look back on this match in disbelief. That fighting spirit they showed a couple of matchdays ago against Leverkusen was not on display this week. Bremen are not only a point away from danger (albeit they are in 12^th, but such is the competition in the Bundesliga this season), this could have been Bremen’s first win in seven league matches, but as the match inched closer to 90’ 1-0 was never a safe score line. The draw keeps Gladbach cemented to the basement five points away from sunlight. Bremen dominated this match from the opening whistle. As the match neared the end, Gladbach could have easily won – numerous chances from Reus and Stranzl went wide. Dante’s stoppage time equalizer came from a header.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Nürnberg 1:2 (1:1)

Goal Scorers: VfL – Mandzukic 22’; Nürnberg – Wollscheid 45’, Nilsson 90’

Volkswagen Arena – 27, 316

Der Club (Nürnberg) is inching closer and closer to a European place. This is a huge accomplishment for the other team from Bavaria. They are the team of 2011, I thought St. Pauli would be but they are turning into Blackpool. VfL played well and should have been up already when they scored their first. Mbokani should have scored but failed to head it past Schäfer while completely unmarked. After the Wolves scored this seemed to kick the Bavarians into life, not Wolfsburg. The only player, besides Nuri Sahin, that I continually write about is Der Club’s Mehmet Ekici. His free kick and corner led to both goals for Nürnberg who now find themselves one point off Europe and winning 6/7.

1. FC Köln v. Hannover 96 4:0 (1:0)

Goal Scorers: Köln – Petit 36’, Podolski 60’, Novakovic 79’, 89’

Rheinenergie Stadion – 46,500

Friday Night Lights in the Bundesliga – and what a match to kickoff Matchday 26! This was the Billy Goats sixth home win in a row, their best in 24 years. Hannover will want to put this match behind them and relax knowing they are still in third two points ahead of Bayern. Billy Goat’s keeper, Michael Rensing, kept Köln in this game from early on. In form Rausch will wonder how Rensing saved his attempt. Hannover controlled the middle of the park and really sought to make a name for themselves, but then Köln began the onslaught. I know it says 4-0, but Hannover will travel north wondering how such a one-sided match (in terms of statistics) could end so lopsided.