Bundesliga matchday nine: Revierderby

Last weekend in the Bundesliga was crazy. We had derby action and title pushing excitement. After nine matchdays of the Bundesliga, ten of the clubs are within five points of the title leaders.

With both coming off European matches, fireworks were to be expected in a major match between leaders Borussia Monchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt. A 4-2 thriller ensued that will be remembered as a match of the season.

The Foals made major moves in the off-season and with Marco Rose at the helm the new style Monchengladbach were able to find two goals in the first half to give off the vibe of a league leader. Eintracht was able to pull goals back twice to be responded by Gladbach. An end to end match that any fan would enjoy.

Revierderby is always a spicy affair and when both teams have a lot riding on the result it matters even more than local bragging rights. While a 0-0 result, much can be gained from this.

Borussia Dortmund was favored coming in only slightly and yet they were the more disappointing. For Schalke, their gradual progression as a squad under David Wagner has turned a team that was nearly relegated into a challenger. While no goal scorer was involved up top, the Royal Blues were the more dangerous side.

Elsewhere in the Bundesliga

Bayern Munich just hold on as Union Berlin made it close in a 2-1 win for the reigning champions.

Bayer Leverkusen and walking wounded Werder Bremen had a 2-2 draw that continued the Green-White’s run of unbeaten matches.

Mainz pulled themselves out of the relegation fight with a much needed 3-1 victory over relegation-struggling Koln.

Hoffenheim made their trip to the capital memorable with a big 3-2 win away to Hertha Berlin.

Freiburg was able to continue their great run and a 2-1 victory over Leipzig keeps them in their surprising peak at third in the table.

Paderborn was able to earn their first victory of the season with a 2-0 over fellow relegation struggler’s Dusseldorf.

Wolfsburg maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they played out to a 0-0 draw with Augsburg.

Bundesliga Player of the Week

Marcus Thuram’s goal and an assist against Eintracht was a major contribution for Monchengladbach’s ninth win of the season as they hung onto top spot in the Bundesliga.