Relegation tussels, championship seals, and dominating performances that and more in the review of matchday 19 in the Bundesliga.
FC Koln entered matchday 17 without a win. After three consecutive wins they are four points from the relegation playoff spot and possible survival from the lowest point in league history. Funny thing was HSV looked asleep and not acting like this was a relegation six pointer. A brace for Simon Terodde meant that the three points belonged to the Billy Goats. Three wins and suddenly the fight is on. For HSV its fire another coach and try to get a miracle to happen again.
Eintracht Frankfurt is one of the stranger teams in the Bundesliga, and a 3-1 win at Wolfsburg is a brilliant case study. After a fizzle to the ruckrunde last campaign Frankfurt has found stability randomly on the road. Their points per road match is currently even higher than league leading Bayern Munich. Wolfsburg failed at doing more than a light response to the high pressing offense and defense of Frankfurt. If their home form could turn for good then this would be one of the very top sides.
Bayer Leverkusen may have lost convincingly to Bayern at last matchday but against Hoffenheim they showed how much difference a change in coach can be a solution. With this 4-1 victory over TSG they currently sit in second in the Bundesliga. Jamaican born Leon Bailey shone exceptionally bright. Should they finish within the top four and hold on to all their players in the summer this could be a title challenger.
In the Rest of the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich had their hands full with Werder Bremen. While the relegation threatened northern club fell to Bayern it was more a fact that defensively Bayern was show to be vulnerable from open play and set piece. The gap in talent won the day but will be a sort of moral victory for Bremen.
Mainz is in a relegation scrap but this 3-2 victory over Stuttgart helps things. Both now have a four point cushion between them and the relegation playoff.
Hertha looked to be on level terms with BVB and it showed in the 1-1 scoreline. BVB at the end looked the better team and one can only think that they will have something to say as to who goes where in Europe.
Schalke 04 failed at the Veltins Arena to put Hanover away and a late goal meant the sharing of the spoils.
European spots were at large between Borussia Monchengladbach and FC Augsburg. The Foals have the greater pressure but with their 2-0 win move to fifth in the table.
Last season Freiburg were and Red Bull Leipzig were the promoted sides looking to do good. This 2-1 win for Freiburg means that they have gotten themselves out of the relegation fight enough to breath relief. Also raises questions on Leipzig if they will stabilize.
Prost Amerika’s Bundesliga Player of the Week:
Must be Leon Bailey. Not only did he have a goal and an assist but his back heel flick will be on goal of the season lists.
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