It was another action-packed weekend of Bundesliga action with matchday two offering six-goal thrillers, derby-day wins, and much more. Here is your review and talking points from matchday two in the Bundesliga.
Ten Hag Tragedy
Erik ten Hag is still searching for his first win in the Bundesliga as Bayer Leverkusen drew 3-3 to ten men Werder Bremen. B04 looked to be in cruise control following a brace from Patrik Schick and a first goal for USA international Malik Tillman. For much of the game, Bremen looked hopeless at the back. However, a mistake by Mark Flekken in the B04 goal breathed life into the Bremen players and fans. The Northerners were completely on top with ten minutes to go, despite Niklas Stark’s sending off in the 63rd minute.
Queue 18-year-old Karim Coulibaly to score a 94th-minute equaliser to send the Weserstadion into pandemonium. The central defender was at fault for Schick’s first goal in the 6th minute, but he more than made up for it with his volleyed attempt to give Bremen their first point of the season.
The fallout of the game could already spell the end for ten Hag’s remarkably short time at Leverkusen. As reported by GGFN on Sunday, the club is contemplating sacking ten Hag.
None of the B04 bosses are backing the Dutchman following the embarrassing collapse against Werder Bremen. Ten Hag’s statements after the match seemed to clearly lay the blame on the club management’s handling of the player personnel situation. Such comments may have something to do with the fact that the front office no longer wishes to work with him.
Leverkusen are expected to make their decision after the transfer window closes this month.
Flying Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt have won their opening first two games for the first time since 2012. Following last week’s demolition of Bremen, Dino Toppmöller’s side followed it up with a comprehensive 1-3 victory away at TSG Hoffenheim.
The Eagles got themselves 0-2 up at the break before adding their third just five minutes after the restart. New signing Ritsu Doan scored a brace before Turkish talent Can Uzun got the third. Doan’s first goal was likened to that of Dutch legend Arjen Robben. Speaking to Sky Germany after the game, Doan was asked about the Robben-esque goal.
“He’s a legend and my idol because I also played at FC Groningen. I still have a lot to work on and will work hard to reach his level. Many other players still help me score goals. Rasmus Kristensen [who works directly behind Doan on the right-hand-side] really helps me focus a lot more on offense.”
Frankfurt already look like a solid outfit this season and perhaps someone who can challenge Bayern Munich at the top of the league. If you’re new to the Bundesliga and want to watch fast-paced football, Frankfurt are exactly that. With the likes of Elye Wahi, Can Uzun, Ritsu Doan, and Hugo Larsson, Frankfurt fans are in for an exciting season.
St. Pauli Derby Delight
On Friday evening, St. Pauli won the first Hamburg derby at the home of the city rivals, 0-2. Following their thrilling 3-3 draw with Borussia Dortmund last week, Pauli followed it up with a professional and dominant performance against HSV. Fullback, Adam Dźwigała, gave the away side the lead after just 19 minutes following a smart corner kick routine.
Hamburg were then lucky that the visitors did not go two in front, as a potentially valid opportunity and goal was called back for a foul. St.Pauli had another good chance later in the half, which forced a good save from Daniel Heuer Fernandes.
The hosts thought they were immediately back in the game after half-time when Ransford Königsdörffer was played through and was able to slot the ball past Nikolas Vasilj, but the Ghanaian was just offside in the process, meaning Hamburg’s first goal back in the Bundesliga was ruled out, and they would have to wait longer.
St. Pauli added their second on the hour mark when Joel Fujita won the ball in midfield and was able to nutmeg a HSV player, before playing through Andreas Hountondji, who rounded Heuer Fernandes to make it 0-2.
For St. Pauli, it’s four points from six and an outstanding start to the new campaign. HSV still have to wait for their first goal this season and stay on a single point.
Around The Grounds
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich survived a late scare as they came out as 2-3 winners at FC Augsburg. Bayern were cruising 0-3 before two late goals from FCA made for a nervy ending. Goals from Gnabry, Diaz, and Olise was enough for the current champions. It was a milestone evening for Harry Kane, who played his 100th game for Bayern. With 91 goals to his name, no one has scored more goals in their first 100 games for the club.
Borussia Dortmund got their first win of the campaign following a dominant display at home to Union Berlin. Serhou Guirassy got himself a brace while Felix Nmecha got the third.
FC Köln made it two wins from two as they’ve taken to life back in the Bundesliga like a duck to water. On Sunday, the billygoats dismantled European-quality opposite in SC Freiburg 4-1. Köln are now just a handful of teams to maintain a 100% record in the league.
There were also wins for RB Leipzig (2-0 vs FC Heidenheim) and VfB Stuttgart (1-0 vs Borussia Mönchengladbach), while Wolfsburg and Mainz played out a 1-1 draw.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
