Bundesliga Roundup, Matchday 25
The 25th set of matches in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season showcased thrilling games and impressive displays. Here’s a summary of the weekend’s matches.
Stuttgart 2-0 Union Berlin
VfB Stuttgart extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches (W6, D1) with a 2-0 victory over Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, bringing them within four points of second-placed Bayern Munich. Union Berlin’s four-game unbeaten away record against Stuttgart in league matches was ended. Despite this loss, Union Berlin remains nine points clear of the automatic relegation zone and will face Werder Bremen next Saturday, while Stuttgart will travel to TSG Hoffenheim on the same day.
RB Leipzig 2-0 Darmstadt
RB Leipzig strengthened their position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season by defeating SV Darmstadt 98 2-0 at home. Darmstadt, who have not won a game in 18 Bundesliga matches, seem to be in a dire situation. RB Leipzig will be competing with Dortmund for the Champions League spot in the remaining nine games. Although Darmstadt may not have enough time to recover from their current 12-point gap to safety, they still have a chance to secure the relegation playoff spot.
Bayern Munich 8-1 Mainz
Bayern Munich bounced back with an impressive performance in the Bundesliga, defeating FSV Mainz 8-1 to continue Mainz’s winless streak on the road to 17 matches. Mainz’s position in the top-flight league is in jeopardy as they have only won once in their last 15 games, leaving them nine points away from safety. Despite the potential departure of Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season, Bayern’s dominant victory gives them hope of securing a 12th consecutive Bundesliga title, despite not keeping a clean sheet in their last seven league matches.
Borussia Monchengladbach 3-3 Cologne
Robin Hack scored two impressive goals in just two minutes after coming on as a substitute for Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, this was not sufficient for Die Fohlen to secure only their second victory in seven matches against FC Cologne, as the recent Rhine Derby concluded in a 3-3 draw. Ultimately, the outcome seems fair for both teams, but it does not significantly aid either Mönchengladbach or Cologne, who are both deeply involved in a fierce struggle to avoid relegation.
Augsburg 1-0 Heidenheim
Augsburg secured their third straight Bundesliga win by defeating Heidenheim 1-0 at home, propelling them to ninth place and within reach of the European spots. The loss keeps Heidenheim in 11th place, as they have not won in their last four matches, with one draw and three losses. Augsburg, on the other hand, are now eyeing a chance to qualify for Europe next season after a strong performance, sitting just one point behind Hoffenheim in seventh place. While not as dominant as their 6-0 win last week, the three points and another clean sheet are crucial in their pursuit of European qualification.
Werder Bremen 1-2 Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund, playing with ten men, regained their position in the top four by securing a tough 2-1 victory against SV Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion. This win extended Dortmund’s unbeaten streak in away Bundesliga matches to eight games. The away team has suffered only one loss in their last 11 league games. On the other hand, Bremen has not won in their last eight home league encounters with Dortmund. Despite this, Ole Werner can draw encouragement from his team’s second-half comeback, which almost earned them a draw.
Bochum 1-2 Freiburg
Michael Gregoritsch scored and provided an assist to help SC Freiburg secure a 2-1 victory over VfL Bochum, maintaining their position in contention for European qualification in the Bundesliga. This win marked their sixth consecutive head-to-head victory over Bochum. Bochum, on the other hand, have been unable to widen their seven-point gap over the bottom three teams in the league after suffering three consecutive defeats. For Freiburg, who had gone six matches without a win in the Bundesliga, this victory could be a pivotal moment as they aim for European qualification for the third season in a row under Christian Streich.
Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 Hoffenheim
Mario Götze scored a goal and provided an assist as Eintracht Frankfurt, in sixth place, secured their second consecutive victory with a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim, who are in seventh place. Hoffenheim suffered from two red cards during the match. Eintracht Frankfurt managed to control the game and secure their fourth double over Hoffenheim in the last six seasons, widening the gap between the two teams to seven points.
Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Wolfsburg
Bayer Leverkusen broke a streak of seven winless games at home against Wolfsburg by defeating them 2-0 at the BayArena, extending their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 10 points. Xabi Alonso’s team secured a comfortable victory, maintaining their unbeaten record in all competitions. On the other hand, Wolfsburg, managed by Niko Kovač, failed to produce a shot in the second half, remaining in 13th place and now without a win in their last 10 league matches.
