Darmstadt was able to take a 2-0 lead in with them at half-time, with goals from Mario Vrancic and former U21 Germany international Sandro Wagner. Augsburg then fought their way back into the match in the second half as Markus Feulner’s goal in the 63rd minute restored hope. Alfred Finnbogason’s 90th minute penalty secured FCA a point.
Hosts Hannover were the better side against Köln but squandered their chances and allowed the visitors to score from their first real opportunity through Leonardo Bittencourt after 43 minutes. The former Germany U21 international added a second goal on the hour mark, resigning Hannover to their 19th defeat of the campaign.
Thomas Müller was at it again, scoring twice in FC Bayern’s 5-0 triumph over SV Werder Bremen on Bundesliga matchday 26. World Champion Mario Götze made his starting XI comeback as Bayern temporarily increased their lead to eight points atop the standings, with Dortmund yet to play this weekend.
Bayern dominated the match from the start in a sold-out Allianz Arena, which will also host Wednesday’s Champions League return leg with Juventus. Thiago Alcantara scored the opener nine minutes into the game before Germany international Müller doubled the hosts’ advantage after 31 minutes.
The second half delivered a similar display, with Bayern in full control. Müller added a second goal to his tally, converting the rebound from a wonderful direct volley by Franck Ribery. Substitute Robert Lewandowski made it 4-0 with his 24th goal of the campaign and Thiago also hit a second in the 90th minute to complete the scoring.
Gladbach pile pressure on Frankfurt
The pressure on Eintracht Frankfurt and their new manager Niko Kovac was not lifted on matchday 26, as they suffered a clear 3-0 defeat at Borussia Mönchengladbach, who now occupy fourth place having overtaken Schalke in the standings. TSG Hoffenheim secured a vital victory in the relegation battle, seeing off VfL Wolfsburg 1-0.
The games in Ingolstadt and Darmstadt produced a lot of action, with the away teams managing comebacks in both games. VfB Stuttgart secured a 3-3 draw at Ingolstadt, while Augsburg came back from a 2-0 deficit in Darmstadt to salvage a 2-2 draw. Bottom-side Hannover 96 suffered a 2-0 home loss to 1. FC Köln.
Dahoud brilliance rounds of Gladbach’s win
Gladbach were the more active team against Frankfurt but required several chances before taking the lead. Lars Stindl broke the deadlock after 36 minutes, with Raffael and Mahmoud Dahoud providing the other gaols in the second half. Dahoud’s effort was a fine display of individual skill, as Frankfurt were sent home empty-handed.
Hoffenheim secured a huge win as they look to avoid relegation this season. Andrej Kramaric capitalised early from a mistake made by Wolfsburg to give the hosts the lead after just three minutes. Julian Nagelsmann’s team played with a lot of pace and kept a compact shape in defence, making it very difficult for the Champions League quarterfinalists. Germany international Kevin Volland missed a penalty against Koen Casteels in the second half, but Wolfsburg was unable to manage a comeback, lacking ideas going forward.
Ingolstadt give away two-goal lead
Ingolstadt and Stuttgart produced an entertaining game as the hosts took the lead four minutes into the match through Moritz Hartmann. Five minutes later Stuttgart were level again, as Filip Kostic smashed a low effort into the back of the net. Matthew Leckie and Dario Lezcano fired Ingolstadt into a two-goal lead shortly after the break, but Lukas Rupp and Daniel Didavi scored late to give the travelling fans something to celebrate.
Darmstadt was able to take a 2-0 lead in with them at half-time, with goals from Mario Vrancic and former U21 Germany international Sandro Wagner. Augsburg then fought their way back into the match in the second half as Markus Feulner’s goal in the 63rd minute restored hope. Alfred Finnbogason’s 90th minute penalty secured FCA a point.
Hosts Hannover were the better side against Köln but squandered their chances and allowed the visitors to score from their first real opportunity through Leonardo Bittencourt after 43 minutes. The former Germany U21 international added a second goal on the hour mark, resigning Hannover to their 19th defeat of the campaign.
