After a seemingly never-ending international break, the Bundesliga returneded in all its splendour, with each team scoring at least once in matchday three. Not only that, but thirteen goals were scored in the last ten minutes, highlighting how tight and competitive domestic German football is.
The Südwest-Derby showed once again how different this type of match-up is to other games. The two teams had scored one goal between them up to that point; six would light up the scoreboard upon the final whistle. Freiburg displayed a solid team performance, although the lack of sharpness in front of goal proved once more to be their Achilles heel. On the other hand, VfB Stuttgart, led by an outstanding Mario Gomez, needed fewer chances to hit the net defended by Schwolow. A fair result, but one which will please neither side.
Two of the most in-form teams this season met at the Volkswagen arena, where VfL Wolfsburg faced Hertha BSC in a game that didn’t disappoint. Both showed why they have been picked as ones to watch by several football experts, although their weaknesses were also evident. If they are to challenge for the European position, defensive individual mistakes like the ones we saw in the final minutes must be immediately eradicated.
With the European competitions starting later this week, Bayern, BVB and RB Leipzig will face their respective opponents in good spirits after winning their games in style. Especially welcome for Leipzig were the three points. After a slow start to the season, the side managed by Ralf Rangnick had to sweat their way to victory against Hannover 96. The last goal was reminiscent of the good old days for die Roten Bullen, with a lethal counter attack orchestrated by two of their best players, Emil Forsberg and Timo Werner ending in a second goal for the latter. Now, the question remains, with the added distraction of mid-week European fixtures, whether they will be able to challenge for the higher positions in the league like they did in their debut season in the Bundesliga.