American’s scoring goals and unexpected results all that and more in the Bundesliga round-up.
Borussia Dortmund was expected to be suffering from a European hangover when they faced traditional bogey team Hamburg. That did not happen as the rear guard effort was triumphant in a 3-0 domination.
American Christian Pulisic has looked to be a brilliant young prospect this year. With so many first team members out this was an excellent opportunity and he took it with both hands as he became the youngest non-German goalscorer in Bundesliga history.
Borussia Monchengladbach has been aiming at making the Champions League for a second year running but they underestimated almost down and out Hanover 96 as the Lower Saxony side shocked the soccer world in a 2-0 match.
With Daniel Stendel taking over Hanover two weeks there has been sign of life that has not been there since the 2014-15 season. Previously there had been only dread under Thomas Schaaf and Michael Grontzeck. There is a severe lack of opportunity for survival but if the fans are to enjoy their last matches in the top flight best do it with some flair.
Relegation threatened Werder Bremen was given a lifeline when they pulled off a very needed 3-2 victory over a hungover Wolfsburg.
For Wolfsburg this loss means that they will most likely miss out on Europe next season. Bremen has been flirting with disaster keeping Viktor Skrypnyk in charge. Sure they have managed to get to the cup semifinal but there is much to be said that they are rather lacking in the defense. Kind of hard to stave off relegation when you have yet to keep a clean sheet all year.
Bayer Leverkusen took full advantage of the occasion in the second half for three goals to keep Eintrach Frankfurt’s hopes of Bundesliga survival that of fools belief.
After a first half where Frankfurt looked the better team the bringing on of Kevin Kampl equalized a goal moments within coming onto the pitch. The rest was rather straight forward as Frankfurt continued to be wasteful in front of goal. The clock is ticking for the Eagles and the hourglass is nearly out of sand.
FC Augsburg looked exceedingly worried but now after two wins relegation seems a second thought. Stuttgart will be kicking themselves after losing 1-0 and finding themselves back in the relegation talk.
Stuttgart started the second half so well. Five straight wins brought them into midtable. Their last win was at the beginning of March and they have nearly picked up zero points since then and suddenly there has been a changing of the table and until there is more signs of life their end of the season will indeed be bumpy.
When Darmstadt and Ingolstadt got promoted most thought both would fight against relegation and lose. After Darmstadt’s home win, 2-0, their chances of survival are now really looking possible.
Ingolstadt will not feel too bad about losing this match as they are well out of the relegation fight. Darmstadt will think that with road matches against FC Koln and Hertha Berlin and home matches against Gladbach and rival Frankfurt that they face a more than decent shot at Bundesliga survival.
Hertha Berlin has been on a path towards the Champions League but with a loss to Hoffenheim it is starting to be of doubt. Hoffenheim will take their 2-1 win and be happy to put distance from relegation.
Hoffenheim under Julian Nagelsmann has been nothing but impressive. Had he been brought in earlier perhaps with this form that the southern German club would be in the European places.
Bayern Munich, fresh off their draw with Atletico Madrid, would be worried about a European letdown. Their 3-0 win over Schalke 04 could be the end of Andre Breitenreiter as head of the Miners.
Schake has not been anything but put together. They threw up stiff resistance in the first half but in the second a Robert Lewandowski brace consigned Andrew Breitenreiter’s side to defeat.
Mainz has enjoyed their season so far but against Koln they found a difficult opponent. A impressive 3-2 win from the cathedral club after a long string of misfortune should be enough to allow survival and midtable finish for this season.
Mainz took a 2-0 lead before the 50th minute and figured the match was won. Peter Stoger’s squad didn’t give up meekly. Anthony Modeste winner in the 83rd minute completed the comeback as the player scored his 12th Bundesliga goal in this campaign.
DFB Pokal Semifinals
Bayern v Bremen: the Bavarian’s are the best when it comes to making the later stages of the DFB Pokal. Werder Bremen can consider themselves the surprise package at this stage considering their league form. This is for Bremen what they can cheer about. Make the cup final they might be okay with relegation due to the about of glory they would receive.
Prediction: Pep wants to get all the trophies he can before he goes and anything that will keep his squad focused for the Champions League semifinals is all and good 2-1 Bayern
Hertha Berlin v Borussia Dortmund: Hertha Berlin has never reached the final despite it occurring in their own stadium. This is a season full of surprise for the capital city club with their excellent league form. Even if they didn’t make the Champions League making the final would make it all worth it.
Thomas Tuchel has done well in his first season at Dortmund. Second current in Bundesliga, quarterfinals in Europa League and now on the cusp of the final of the DFB Pokal. Should he get there they will be utterly focused on it for the remainder of the season.
Prediciton: Tuchel has a great side at his disposal and this will be their last chance to leave an impression on the 2015-16 season.
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