Bundesliga Matchday 18 in pictures
A dream debut for Mario Gomez, a nightmare debut for Nigel de Jong and a win that opens the door to a miracle escape for Cologne. Wolfsburg's trip to Dortmund will complete a dramatic return for the Bundesliga.
Terrode offers glimmer of hope for Cologne
After 16 games without a Bundesliga win, Cologne now have two in two games. A last gasp goal from Simon Terodde (number 9) sparked wild scenes and helped the Carnival Club to a 2-1 win over Rhine rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach that cuts the gap to the relegation playoff spot to seven points. Hope can be a dangeorus thing, but the Billy Goats will take it right now.
Gomez homecoming
Mario Gomez enjoyed his return to Stuttgart colors as he played a big part in his side's 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin. The striker tangled with Niklas Stark who ended up lobbing his own goalkeeper and sending the ball into his own net for the only goal of the game. Gomez is back and already making a big impact.
Dortmund fire blanks without Aubameyang
Alexander Isak (pictured) was given the unenviable task of replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Gabonese frontman was supended by Dortmund for a breach of discipline. The young Swede was making his full league debut for the club and struck a post in the first half. But neither he or his teammates could find the breakthrough and the game finished goalless.
Werner makes a point
Timo Werner celebrates RB Leipzig's second goal of the night, which made it 2-1 and put the hosts back on course for victory over Schalke. Werner had to settle for a place on the bench again, but the Germany striker reminded coach Ralph Hassenhüttl of his quality with another vital goal. Leipzig ran out 3-1 winners to go second — at least until Sunday — and end Schalke's 12-game unbeaten run.
Nightmare debut
It's a Bundesliga baptism of fire for Nigel de Jong (number 5), who can only watch on as Hannover cut Mainz's 2-0 lead in half from the spot. The penalty came after the Dutchman lunged into a tackle. De Jong, a free transfer from Galatasaray, was unable to prevent his new team slumping to a crushing 3-2 defeat and Mainz have now gone six league games without a win and are sinking like a stone.
Hübner strikes
Benjamin Hübner opened the scoring with a bullet header for Hoffenheim in Bremen. But Julian Nagelsmann's side were unable to hang on to their lead and eventually conceded an equalizer, with the game ending 1-1. Their tangerine kit is clearly not bringing them luck.
Koo to the rescue
In a close game between Augsburg and Hamburg, Koo Ja-cheol settled it in the hosts favor by thrashing in a header. The win moves Augsburg up a place to eighth and level on points with Hoffenheim as their impressive season continues. And the result will be a little sweeter for Augsburg, who lost to Hamburg on the opening day.
Haller the man
Sebastien Haller celebrates giving Eintracht Frankfurt the lead against Freiburg, but it was a lead they were unable to hang on to. An equalizer by Robin Koch pulls them a point further away from danger and preserves their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga, which is extended to six games. But their next three games are against Rb Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen...
James on point
James Rodriguez fired a pinpoint free kick in stoppage time in Bayern's 3-1 win against Leverkusen. The Colombian midfielder had a goal and an assist in the game as he tries to solidify a starting role in Jupp Heynckes' team.