22nd matchday
Berlin (dpa) – That was not very masterly. Before the start of the decisive weeks with the knockout phase in the Champions League, FC Bayern suffered a heavy 4-2 defeat at VfL Bochum.
Can the pursuer Borussia Dortmund, who are nine points behind, move up a bit again? The relegation battle in the Bundesliga is currently more exciting. And that’s where Hertha BSC gradually got into trouble after the 1: 2 in Fürth.
four pack
The last time FC Bayern conceded four goals in the 2-4 draw against VfL Bochum in the first half was on November 22, 1975 in the Bundesliga. At that time, Eintracht Frankfurt was 0: 5 at the break – and at the end 0: 6. National player Joshua Kimmich wasn’t even born then. Reason enough for Kimmich to ask the mentality question. “We missed all the virtues and have to ask ourselves if that’s the mentality that FC Bayern normally embodies,” said the midfielder on pay TV broadcaster Sky, adding with a view to the 0: 5 in the cup in Gladbach : “It’s not the first time that’s happened to us. I don’t know that from the past, we conceded four or five goals.”
Noble joker
One likes to have such a joker on the bench. Freiburg’s Nils Petersen saved his club from a 1-1 draw with Mainz just two minutes after coming on. It was Petersen’s 31st joker goal, further extending his Bundesliga record. “Of course, a score like that suits me. I was in the box a lot and we had a lot of standards,” said Petersen.
guarantee of success
As soon as Max Kruse is back in Wolfsburg, things are looking up again for the club. With his converted penalty kick, the winter newcomer laid the foundation for the second three in a row in the 2-0 win in Frankfurt. Kruse is a pretty safe bet from the penalty spot. The striker has converted 23 of 24 attempts so far. He also used the only failed attempt with the margin. At the same time, Kruse scored again after 2170 days in the Wolfsburg jersey, for which he had already played in the 2015/16 season. “Such a win is extremely important for us after such a difficult time,” said the match winner.
salvation
After four defeats at home in Borussia Park, Gladbach can finally celebrate in front of their own audience again. The 3-1 win against FC Augsburg in a direct duel with a rival in the relegation battle banned the danger for the time being. Borussia is now four points behind the relegation place that FCA occupies. “Today was an absolute liberation,” said coach Adi Hütter. And right-back Stefan Lainer said: “A win like that should give you self-confidence. The old face is back.”
Sweden power
Two Swedes are at the center of the 2-1 draw from bottom SpVgg Greuther Fürth against Hertha BSC. Captain Hrgota scored the first goal of the current Bundesliga season after 26 seconds, and after the break the 29-year-old attacker converted a hand penalty with nerves of steel. And Hrgota’s compatriot Andreas Linde also made a good debut in goal, captivating with his calm and overview. “It was exciting. First game, three points and a win in front of our own fans,” said Linde.
fun football
Five goals against Augsburg and Dortmund, now a four-pack against Stuttgart – Bayer Leverkusen will delight the league in 2022. “It’s pure entertainment,” enthused Bayer keeper Lukas Hradecky, who was able to “smile away” the two goals conceded given the offensive power. After Bayer had missed the Champions League twice recently, it could work this time.
zugzwang
After the 2: 5 against Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund coach Marco Rose wants to see a reaction in the game at Union Berlin on Sunday (3.30 p.m. / DAZN). “Things have to be different. We need to defend better and perform well on Sunday. We’re judged by results. And I expect the team wants to put things right in a difficult away game,” said Rose. At the end of the 22nd match day, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim welcomes Arminia Bielefeld from 5.30 p.m. (DAZN).