Nine matches played in the Bundesliga’s return from the international break and there definitely was action. Bayern stayed on top, but with each match having at least a goal from each team, the 3.7 goals per match average left the neutral saying that they were entertained.
Bayern Munich made the fire underneath Heiko Herlich even hotter as the Bavarians strolled to a 3-1 victory over Leverkusen. With zero points from their first three matches, things look dead on for a coaching change to happen there first.
For Niko Kovac as Munich manager, it was a key moment. Nine points from three matches so far and his first European match as coach the impending trip to Lisbon to face Benfica will seem a lot easier.
Leverkusen now has a interesting moment. Zero points so far, a league-worst eight goals conceded with a league-worst two scored. A horrible start, and with a trip to Bulgaria for the Europa League, it would seem that things are about to change and not for the better.
For SC Freiburg and VfB Stuttgart, this match was coming at a major opportunity in this early time of the season. Each squad had tasted defeat in each match and neither wanted to continue the trend in Matchday Three. But who would’ve guessed that the final match of the matchday would end in a 3-3 goal thriller.
Stuttgart fans have always loved Mario Gomez. He came up with the club and was key in the 2006-07 title winning team. His goals at the end of last season were key in the club jumping from relegation to seventh place. Two goals for the VfB from Gomez was replicated in kind by new Freiburg signing Jerome Gondorf. Freiburg was able to get goal three before a second yellow was issued to Pascal Stenzel. Freiburg will take the point while Stuttgart will be kicking themselves for the missed opportunity.
Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg entered their match level on points, six to be exact. Either wins and they would keep in step with Bayern Munich. Their 2-2 draw does not keep in step with the reigning champions, but keeps a rather good start to the season going.
Hertha took the early lead by way of Javairo Dilrosun and things looked great for Berlin, until the penalty. In the 87th minute Yunnis Malli converted for the Wolves and things seemed destined for a 1-1 draw. In the first minute of stoppage time, Ondrej Duda scored what seemed the winning goal for Berlin and keeping pace with Bayern. Funny thing is that up popped Admir Mehmedi and two minutes later an equalizer was found to put an end to a thrilling encounter and possibly the most exciting final seven minutes of the Bundesliga season.
Rest of the Bundesliga
BVB continuted their domination of Eintracht Frankfurt when playing at the Westfalenstadion as the hosts came away with an unconvincing 3-1 victory. Eintracht goal scorer Sebastian Haller scored his third on the season, one for every match of this young season.
Leipzig found the response for Hannover difficult to bear. Scoring their first and third goals they were followed up by near immediate goals by the 96ers. Timo Werner will be very happy having bagged a brace before the Europa League match on Thursday against Salzburg.
In front of a rather sparse crowd by Bundesliga standards, Mainz kept upsetting the odds makers as they won 2-1 over visitors Augsburg scoring late goals in the 87th and 93rd minutes.
Schalke’s horrible start continued as they fell pray to Borussia Monchengladbach, 2-1, that was only made close with a 92nd goal by Breel Embolo.
Fortuna Dusseldorf earned their first victory of their return to the Bundesliga defeating Hoffenheim 2-1. American Alfredo Morales scored the opening goal for the hosts.
Werder Bremen continued their unbeaten run as they drew with Nurnberg 1-1 with a 91st minute goal from Virgil Misidjan for a share of points with the Franconian club.
Prost Amerika Bundesliga Player of the Week: Gondorf was an unexpected surprise for Freiburg, take away his performance and you have the Black Forest team down with Leverkusen and Schalke at zero points.
