Bundesliga Round 9 in Pictures
Robben leads Bayern comeback over Mainz
Tabletoppers Bayern were losing at home to Mainz after the first half, when Arjen Robben stepped up and broke the ice. The Dutch winger's goal on 50 minutes unleashed a veritable Bayern barrage, as the Bavarians rolled over their guests. The final score was 4-1 - although Robben was upset at not being allowed to take a late penalty.
Dortmund squeak by Hanover
When are Dortmund going to learn to be less wasteful with their chances? They got off to a perfect start at home against Hanover when Marco Reus converted a penalty in minute 4. But, strangely enough, that was all the scoring, and the hosts had to hang on for a win that should have been easy. They'll need to do better in Champions League against Arsenal on Tuesday.
Leverkusen-Hoffenheim result in doubt
For the time being, Leverkusen beat Hoffenheim 2-1 on Friday night thanks to a goal by Stefan Keissling (left) that went through the side netting. Hoffenheim have appealed, and the controversy would have rekindled the goal-line technology debate, except for the fact that it has never really gone out. There's no word from the DFB about whether the result will stand or not.
Hertha keep clean sheet against Gladbach
Hertha Berlin moved up to fourth place with a defensively oriented 1-0 win over visitors Mönchengladbach. Berlin's rise is directly related to the fact that they are one of only four teams to concede fewer than 10 goals, and that's down to their talismanic keeper Thomas Kraft. He’s becoming a fan favorite in the German capital.
Schalke steal win in Braunschweig
Schalke rolled into Braunschweig as the clear favorites, but they fell behind twice to their plucky hosts, who are currently rock-bottom in the table. Each time, the Royal Blues, wearing white, were able to scramble an equalizer. And a last-minute winner handed them three somewhat fortunate points.
Frankfurt share points with Nuremberg
The glass was definitely half empty in Frankfurt after the hosts conceded a late goal to Nuremberg and had to settle for a 1-1 draw. The Eagles just can't seem to develop any momentum this season. But they're in better shape than Nuremberg, who are still searching for their first win.
Bremen and Freiburg both fail to score
All good things, they say, must come to an end. And at 5:24 p.m. Central European Time, the Bundesliga's streak of at least one goal scored in every match died an ugly death. Bremen and Freiburg gave it their best shot, but they're defensively oriented teams, and the game ended goalless.
Hamburg and Stuttgart play to a wild draw
There are hard-fought defensive draws, and then there's what happened in Hamburg in Sunday's early match. Both teams’ defenses went AWOL in this one, as Stuttgart took the lead three times only to see their hosts respond to each goal. The final score was 3-3, a result that does neither side any real good. It was fun to watch, though.
Efficient Wolfsburg down Augsburg
Hosts Augsburg completely dominated this match for thirty minutes, but only managed to score a single goal. And despite being initially lethargic, the Wolves then fought back with a pair of first-half strikes. Luiz Gustavo headed in a free kick that spent half an eternity in the air to seal the 2-1 victory.