Bayern München kept their grip on top spot in the Bundesliga, playing out a goalless draw away to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the top-of-the-table clash on matchday 9. In the earlier Sunday fixture, VfL Wolfsburg leapt to third place in the standings after their straightforward 3-0 win over 1. FSV Mainz 05, whose unbeaten start to the season finally came to an end.
Borussia battle for well-fought point
FC Bayern, who began the game at Borussia Park with World Champions Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller and Mario Götze in the starting XI, dictated play in the opening 30 minutes and forced Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer into several early saves. The hosts, soon found their rhythm in the closing stages of the first half, with Germany international Max Kruse going close with a volley. Both sides had chances in the second half, with Manuel Neuer putting in a terrific display to deny Borussia from sneaking a winner late on.
The goalless draw ensures that Bayern München remain top of the Bundesliga, four points clear of their opponents Gladbach, who move back up to second spot and remain unbeaten in all competitions this term. FCB and Borussia are two of three sides not to taste defeat this season in the league, alongside TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Wolves up to third following fourth successive win
VfL Wolfsburg were 3-0 winners over 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the other Sunday fixture on matchday 9. The Wolves were quick out of the blocks and took the lead within the opening 15 minutes, when defender Naldo headed home from a Marcel Schafer corner, and the hosts carried their advantage into the break. Naldo then turned provider, with Ivan Perisic redirecting the Brazilian’s header beyond Mainz keeper Loris Karius to double VfL’s advantage. Mainz kept on pushing though and were somewhat unfortunate not to reduce the deficit. FSV’s fate was all but sealed with three minutes left to play when Daniel Caligiuri netted the Wolves’ third following good work from Junior Malanda.
The hosts move up to third place with their fourth successive league win, whilst Mainz remain in sixth place, suffering defeat for the first time in the league in this campaign.