Sensational Bundesliga Transfer: Mario Götze to join Bayern Munich from Dortmund!

In a sensational transfer in the Bundesliga 20 year old German international Mario Götze will be leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer to join rivals FC Bayern Munich for a fixed transfer fee of 37 Million Euros.

German tabloid Bild reported in the early hours of today the sensational Mario Götze transfer. The timing couldn't have been worse with both clubs playing Spanish sides in the Champions League semifinals, but especially in Dortmund everyone is in a state of shock and disbelieve.

German international Mario Götze is regarded as the new Lionel Messi and the next big superstar of world football. Götze is the most gifted current German footballer; he is an instinct footballer and rather short at 5foot9inch, but technically incredibly gifted, with exceptional positional sense and an eye for situations.

The future Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola wanted Götze to join the Bavarian giants and made Götze his first real signing at FC Bayern and regards him to be the next Messi. Added pressure for Götze, but tomorrow night he can show if he still is a star in the making or already is one to challenge Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mario Götze has been a Borussia Dortmund player since the age of nine though he is born in Memmingen, which is only about 120 kilometres away from Munich. The Götze family moved to western Germany when Mario was only six after his father became a professor at the Dortmund University.

In Dortmund Götze is considered as one of their own like other players in Marcel Schmelzer or the trio of Marco Reus, Nuri Sahin and Kevin Grosskreutz, who played in-between for other sides, but came back to BVB.

Many Dortmund fans thought that Götze, who is still only 20, would never leave the club and play for them until the end of his career. Many in and around Dortmund thought the Mario Götze to Bayern Munich transfer was a delayed April’s fool prank, but it is true and many Dortmund fans cannot believe that their beloved Mario is leaving for the hated Bavarians.

2012/13 UEFA Champions League: It's Germany vs Spain in the semifinals

The draw for the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League semifinals was held today in Nyon, Switzerland. The last round ahead of the final to be played on May 25, 2013 at the Wembley Stadium in London will see match-ups between German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga sides - Bayern Munich vs FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid.

Many feared that there would be a German and a Spanish semifinal, but today's draw kept the local rivals apart though there now could be a German or Spanish final at Wembley. The matches will be played on April 23/24 and April 30/May 1.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said, "I think we will see two very good games, played at the highest possible level."

"Barcelona are the benchmark for me in Europe. They are the best team in Europe at the moment, with fantastic attacking potential," Rummenigge added.

Meanwhile Borussia Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke said, "I don't think Madrid will be afraid because of what happened in the group stage. They will respect us, just like we respect them."

Real Madrid ambassador Emilio Butragueno also thinks similar, "We have a lot of respect for Borussia Dortmund. We played them twice (in the group stage) but didn't manage to beat them. This time we hope it will different as we want to be in the final."

German Super Cup: Bayern Munich win first title of the season

FC Bayern Munich beat archrivals Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the season opening German Super Cup at a sell-out Allianz Arena in Munich last night. It was Bayern's first win against Dortmund in two years, which the Bavarians hope will have a positive effect on their Bundesliga campaign this season.

Bayern made a quick start into the game as one could feel that they wanted to overcome their Dortmund curse as they had lost the last five encounter against BVB and also the Bundesliga title over the last couple of seasons.

Dortmund meanwhile made a slow start into the game and were 0-2 behind after only 11 minutes. First in the sixth minute newcomer Mario Mandzukic scored from a Franck Ribery cross to the utter surprise of Dortmund centre-backs Subotic and Hummels, while in the 11th minute a free Arjen Robben hit the post, but Thomas Müller was there to score acrobatically of the rebound.

The Bavarian giants were in control and especially in the first half hour showed what they could be capable off this season, but thereafter they slowed down as Dortmund surprisingly had no shot on target in the first 45 minutes.

After the break Dortmund came back into the match with more purpose as they had their first chances within the first 10 minutes after the restart as Bayern Munich tried to control things and went on the attack only once in a while, but one good Robben shot which Weidenfeller cleared brought real danger to the Dortmund goal.

As the match progressed it got more and more of a friendly character, but Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski reduced the deficit in the 75th minute and the Dortmund fans hoped for a late rally which didn't really come except a Schieber chance as Bayern Munich held on to their 2-1 lead and claimed their first trophy of the season.


MATCH STATS

FC Bayern Munich 2-1 (2-0) Borussia Dortmund - Goals: 1-0 Mario Mandzukic (6'), 2-0 Thomas Müller (11'), 2-1 Robert Lewandowski (75')

Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer - Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Dante, Emre Can (70' Holger Badstuber) - Luis Gustavo, Toni Kroos - Arjen Robben (85' Xherdan Shaqiri), Thomas Müller, Franck Ribery (80' Anatoly Tymoshchuk) - Mario Mandzukic

Borussia Dortmund
Roman Weidenfeller - Lukasz Piszczek, Neven Subotic, Mats Hummels, Marcel Schmelzer - Ilkay Gündogan, Moritz Leitner (64' Mario Götze) - Jakob Blaszczykowski (71' Julian Schieber), Marco Reus, Kevin Grosskreutz (64' Ivan Perisic) - Robert Lewandowski

Referee
Michael Weiner

German Super Cup: Bayern Munich take on Dortmund tonight

Tonight Munich's Allianz Arena will witness the curtain raiser of the 50th Bundesliga season, the 2012 German Super Cup, in which Bundesliga and German Cup runners-up FC Bayern Munich take on German double winners Borussia Dortmund.

This years German Super Cup has gained special significance due to the fact that Dortmund has won the last five meetings of the two clubs in the Bundesliga and German Cup and Bayern Munich would like to win this prestige encounter for the psychological advantage of having beaten their bitter rivals from the west.

But Bayern Munich go into the match with numerous injury worries and will have to start with a part-time left back in Can or Gustavo. The side-backs David Alaba, Rafinha and Diego Contento are all out injured likewise midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and striker Mario Gomez. The only piece of good news is that Claudio Pizarro is back in the squad following a hip injury.

Borussia Dortmund meanwhile come to Munich with only injuries to midfielders captain Sebastian Kehl and Sven Bender for whom teenager Moritz Leitner and Ilkay Gündogan are set to start at the heart of midfield. A lot of eyes will be on the lost son Marco Reus, who takes Shinji Kagawa's place in attacking midfield.

The pre-season is slowly coming to an end and the first real test for the two sides reckons tonight at the Allianz Arena.

The match which kicks-off at 20.00 CET (19.00 GMT // 23.30 IST) will be shown live in 199 countries and territories. In Germany the match will be live on ZDF, while in India it will be shown live on Neo Prime


Likely STARTINGS LINE-UPS

Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer - Philipp Lahm, Dante, Holger Badstuber, Emre Can - Luis Gustavo, Toni Kroos - Arjen Robben, Thomas Müller, Franck Ribery - Mario Mandzukic

Borussia Dortmund
Roman Weidenfeller - Lukasz Piszczek, Neven Subotic, Mats Hummels, Marcel Schmelzer - Ilkay Gündogan, Moritz Leitner - Jakob Blaszczykowski, Marco Reus, Kevin Grosskreutz - Robert Lewandowski

2012/13 German Cup: Draw out for Opening Round

Euro2012 is still on, but the draw for the first round of the 2012/13 German Cup (DFB Pokal) was held yesterday at the Media Centre of the German national football team in Gdansk, Poland. German women's national teams Viola Odebrecht and men's manager Oliver Bierhoff did the honour of pulling out the fixtures. And there are some really interesting clashes to look forward to.

Defending champions Borussia Dortmund have to travel to fourth division side FC Oberneuland, while record champions FC Bayern Munich travel to promoted 2.Bundesliga club Jahn Regensburg for a Bavarian derby. The sixth division SV Falkensee/Finkenkrug, the lowest side in this seasons competition, host VfB Stuttgart.

There also a number of regional derbies with Borussia Mönchengladbach having to travel to Alemannia Aachen, while SC Paderborn travel to Arminia Bielefeld while Chemnitzer FC host old rivals Dynamo Dresden.

The matches will be played between August 17 to 21, 2012.


ROUND 1

SG Sonnenhof Großaspach - FSV Frankfurt
Hallescher FC - MSV Duisburg
FC Nöttingen - Hannover 96
Wormatia Worms - Hertha BSC Berlin
FC Oberneuland - Borussia Dortmund
1. FC Heidenheim - VfL Bochum
Victoria Hamburg - SC Freiburg
SpVgg Unterhaching - 1. FC Köln
SV Falkensee/Finkenkrug - VfB Stuttgart
Karlsruher SC - Hamburger SV
VfR Aalen - FC Ingolstadt 04
Offenburger FV - FC St. Pauli
Arminia Bielefeld - SC Paderborn 07
FC Schönberg 95 - VfL Wolfsburg
Jahn Regensburg - FC Bayern München
Carl Zeiss Jena - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
SV Roßbach/Verscheid - 1. FSV Mainz 05
Berliner AK 07 - 1899 Hoffenheim
Preußen Münster - Werder Bremen
Kickers Offenbach - SpVgg Greuther Fürth
Erzgebirge Aue - Eintracht Frankfurt
Wacker Burghausen - Fortuna Düsseldorf
Chemnitzer FC - Dynamo Dresden
Alemannia Aachen - Borussia Mönchengladbach
SV Wilhelmshaven - FC Augsburg
Rot-Weiss Essen - 1. FC Union Berlin
TSV Havelse - 1. FC Nürnberg
SV Sandhausen - Energie Cottbus
VfB Lübeck - Eintracht Braunschweig
FC Hennef 05 - 1860 München
1. FC Saarbrücken - FC Schalke 04
Hansa Rostock - 1. FC Kaiserslautern

Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa joins Manchester United

One of the German Bundesliga's biggest young talent in 23 year old Japanese international midfielder Shinji Kagawa is leaving Borussia Dortmund to join English Premier League side Manchester United. Both sides confirmed earlier today that they have "reached agreement".

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club."

"The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June," a statement from Manchester United said.

Manchester United is expected to pay around 15 Million Euros for Kagawa, who had been signed for Dortmund for as little as 350,000 Euros only two years ago from J-league side Cerezo Osaka.

Kagawa has been a revelation at Borussia Dortmund since joining them in summer 2010. In 49 Bundesliga matches he scored 21 goals, especially the last double winning season he was a key player scoring 13 goals and many more assists.

If Kagawa is ready to step-up from Dortmund to Manchester United will have to be seen, but if he can adopt to life in the Premiership then Manchester United have signed a great attacking player.

Bundesliga Column - Round 34: Cologne relegated, Hertha Berlin get relegation spot

As is usual in the last couple of German Bundesliga rounds all nine matches of Round 34, the final match day of the 2011/12 season were played simultaneously at 15.30 CET on Saturday. This is to ensure same chances for everyone fighting for the title, places in Europe and against relegation.

And what a match day it turned out to be though key decisions on champions, first team to be relegated and who gains places for Europe next season had already been taken. Champions Borussia Dortmund trashed an inform SC Freiburg 4-0 to finish with 81 points, a new record in the history of the Bundesliga.

The eyes were all on the relegation battle between 1.FC Köln and Hertha BSC Berlin, who would get relegated directly and who would get a second chance in the relegation playoff against the third-placed side in the 2.Bundesliga. FC Cologne that the difficult task of facing record champions FC Bayern Munich at home, while Hertha BSC Berlin faced 1899 Hoffenheim who had nothing to really play except that their coach Markus Babbel had been Hertha coach earlier on in the season.

As one would have expected Cologne suffered a 1-4 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich, but Hertha Berlin won 3-1 against Hoffenheim to push Cologne into Division 2 while they face Fortuna Düsseldorf in the relegation playoff in the coming days to decide to play Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga next season.

The last Europa League spot was grabbed by Hannover 96 who beat relegated 1.FC Kaiserslautern 2-1 while VfL Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen and 1.FC Nürnberg all lost in their quest for European football next season.


Round 34 Results

Borussia Dortmund 4-0 SC Freiburg
Hertha BSC Berlin 3-1 1899 Hoffenheim
FC Augsburg 1-0 Hamburger SV
1.FC Nürnberg 1-4 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
SV Werder Bremen 2-3 FC Schalke 04
VfB Stuttgart 3-2 VfL Wolfsburg
Hannover 96 2-1 1.FC Kaiserslautern
1.FC Köln 1-4 FC Bayern München
1.FSV Mainz 05 0-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach

Bundesliga Column - Round 33: Decisions at top, relegation battle on last day

As is usual in the German Bundesliga for the last couple of rounds all nine matches of Round 33 of the 2011/12 season were played simultaneously at 15.30 CET on Saturday. This is to ensure same chances for everyone fighting for the title, places in Europe and against relegation.

The matchday saw champions Borussia Dortmund visit relegated 1.Kaiserslautern in an inconsequential match which did have its moments as Dortmund won 5-2, while Schalke ensured third spot and direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League while Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

But of bigger interest was the relegation battle then before the match day four teams still could face relegation or the playoff spot. But with 17th place Hertha BSC Berlin trashed 4-0 by Schalke 04 and 16th placed FC Cologne losing 1-4 at SC Freiburg it meant that goalless draws for FC Augsburg in Mönchengladbach and Hamburger SV against Mainz was enough to ensure their survival.

But between Hertha Berlin and FC Cologne it will only be decided on next Saturday who goes down directly and which team will get another chance for survival in the relegation playoff spot. Currently Cologne are on 30 points, two ahead of Hertha Berlin. But both sides have tough final day encounters with Cologne set to face Bayern Munich, while Hertha Berlin take on Hoffenheim who are coached by former Hertha coach Markus Babbel who was fired late last year.


Round 33 Results

FC Schalke 04 4-0 Hertha BSC Berlin
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-0 Hannover 96
SC Freiburg 4-1 1.FC Köln
1.FC Kaiserslautern 2-5 Borussia Dortmund
1899 Hoffenheim 2-3 1.FC Nürnberg
VfL Wolfsburg 3-1 SV Werder Bremen
Hamburger SV 0-0 1.FSV Mainz 05
FC Bayern München 2-0 VfB Stuttgart
Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-0 FC Augsburg

Bundesliga Column - Round 32: Dortmund are champions!

Round 32 of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season saw champions Borussia Dortmund defend their title from last season with a rather easy 2-0 against Borussia Mönchengladbach while 1.FC Kaiserslautern returned to winning ways against Hertha BSC Berlin but still were relegated while Hertha's relegation threat grew further with the defeat.

Dortmund went into the third last round of the season with an eight point lead and knowing if Bayern Munich don't win in Bremen then the would have won the title before playing their Saturday evening match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. But Bayern Munich scored a 90th minute winner through individual brilliance from substitute Franck Ribery to beat Werder Bremen 2-1 in an afternoon match.

Now Dortmund wanted to seal the title this weekend at home rather then wait another week and win the title away. The team showed what it did all season - direct power football which didn't leave any real chances to Gladbach. Goals from Ivan Perisic and Shinji Kagawa on either side of the break sealed the victory. Thereafter it was party time in Dortmund!

Meanwhile in the relegation race the two bottom clubs Hertha BSC Berlin and 1.FC Kaiserslautern met at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Hertha hoped to close the gap or overtake FC Cologne who are in the 16th spot relegation playoff spot, but the club from the capital suffered a 1-2 defeat against Kaiserslautern, their first win after 21 winless matches.

FC Cologne meanwhile showed a marked improvement against an in-form VfB Stuttgart but in the end had to settle for a one-all draw, which was also the result between FC Augsburg vs FC Schalke 04 and 1.FC Nürnberg vs Hamburger SV. With two matches to play Augsburg remain four points ahead of Cologne, while Hamburg have five points more then the Rhineland club.


Round 32 Results

1.FSV Mainz 05 0-0 VfL Wolfsburg
SV Werder Bremen 1-2 FC Bayern München
1.FC Köln 1-1 VfB Stuttgart
Hertha BSC Berlin 1-2 1.FC Kaiserslautern
1899 Hoffenheim 0-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
1.FC Nürnberg 1-1 Hamburger SV
Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
FC Augsburg 1-1 FC Schalke 04
Hannover 96 0-0 SC Freiburg

Borussia Dortmund win Bundesliga title!

Borussia Dortmund defended their Bundesliga title with a 2-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach in their Round 32 home match at the Signal Iduna Park infront of 80,720 capacity crowd. After the final whistle it was party time in Dortmund with the BVB winning their eighth overall German title (1956, 1957, 1963, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2011, 2012), one more then archrivals FC Schalke 04 which is important in the Ruhr valley.

What makes this so special is the fact that Dortmund has now remained unbeaten for 26 matches in a row, a new alltime Bundesliga record after the club had a mixed start to the season.

The young Borussia Dortmund side under their coach Juergen Klopp once more showed what talent they have in Shinji Kagawa, Mario Götze, Mats Hummels, Kevin Großkreutz, Robert Lewandowski and on the other side the experience of captain Sebastian Kehl and goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller. From start to finish it was a team effort without the real superstars like is the case with other teams across the continent.

Now Dortmund also have a chance to win their first German double of Bundesliga and Cup titles. On May 12 they face Bundesliga runners-up FC Bayern Munich at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and for the Bavarians it will be about revenge after four losses in the league against BVB.

Bundesliga Column - Round 31: Derby win propels Dortmund closer to title

Round 31 of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season was about derbies in the west and the north of the country. While Dortmund won 2-1 away to Schalke to close in on defending their Bundesliga title, Mönchengladbach trashed FC Cologne 3-0 to keep their direct Champions League qualification hopes alive while Cologne's relegation worries grew even further and Hamburger SV scored a vital win against Hannover 96 in their fight to avoid relegation.

Borussia Dortmund just three days after winning against FC Bayern Munich had to dig deep to beat archrivals FC Schalke 2-1 in a closely contested Ruhr valley derby. With Bayern Munich only drawing goalless against 1.FSV Mainz 05 this derby win puts Dortmund eight points clear at the top with three matches to go and now remaining undefeated in their 25 straight game setting a new Bundesliga record.

In the race to avoid relegation Kaiserlautern are just one point away to confirm their 2.Bundesliga status next season. Another loss, this time 0-2 against 1.FC Nürnberg didn't help their cause. But Hertha BSC Berlin, who are in 17th place, fought back from two goals down against Bayer 04 Leverkusen to even go 3-2 ahead but they had to settle for a 3-3 draw which in their situation isn't enough.

FC Cologne went into the Rhine derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach under a new interim coach in Frank Schaefer, but they lost 0-3 to stay in the relegation playoff spot. But the gap to the teams above them widened then Hamburger SV won at home against Hannover 96, while FC Augsburg scored a surprise 2-1 away win to VfL Wolfsburg.

The Bundesliga title looks decided, the first relegated team is also clear but everything else is to play for with three rounds of matches remaining.


Round 31 Results

VfB Stuttgart 4-1 SV Werder Bremen
FC Schalke 04 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
Hamburger SV 1-0 Hannover 96
1.FC Kaiserslautern 0-2 1.FC Nürnberg
VfL Wolfsburg 1-2 FC Augsburg
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-3 Hertha BSC Berlin
FC Bayern München 0-0 1.FSV Mainz 05
Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 1.FC Köln
SC Freiburg 0-0 1899 Hoffenheim

Bundesliga Column - Round 30: Dortmund on way to title!

Round 30 of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season was all about the top of the table clash between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich at the Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile in the relegation battle the bottom five all lost which close to ensures Kaiserslautern's relegation while Hamburg, Augsburg, Cologne and Hertha Berlin fight for survival.

The match BVB vs FCB was about one against two in the table, defending champions vs record champions, it was billed as the match of the season. It had a slow start as Dortmund were in control in the first session, but after the break Bayern Munich had more of the game but it was Dortmund who scored through a great flick from Robert Lewandowski of a Kevin Großkreutz shot. Arjen Robben was the unlucky man for Bayern Munich as his penalty was saved by Roman Weidenfeller and close to the end shot over from about five yards out. Dortmund are now six points ahead with four matches to play and anything but the title would now be a big surprise.

In other matches VfB Stuttgart maintained their impressive run with a 3-1 away win in Augsburg to stay fifth ahead of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Hannover 96 who also won their games, while 1.FC Nürnberg trashed FC Schalke 04 4-1, Freiburg won 2-1 away to Hertha BSC Berlin while 1.FSV Mainz 05 hammered 1.FC Köln 4-0 to all move away from the relegation zone.

This leaves now five instead of eight clubs to fight for survival. In the relegation battle things did not look good for Hamburger SV (0-4 in Hoffenheim), FC Augsburg (1-3 at home against Stuttgart), FC Cologne (0-4 in Mainz), Hertha BSC Berlin (1-2 against Freiburg) and Kaiserslautern (1-3 in Leverkusen)


Round 30 Results

Hertha BSC Berlin 1-2 SC Freiburg
FC Augsburg 1-3 VfB Stuttgart
1.FSV Mainz 05 4-0 1.FC Köln
SV Werder Bremen 2-2 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Dortmund 1-0 FC Bayern München
1.FC Nürnberg 4-1 FC Schalke 04
1899 Hoffenheim 4-0 Hamburger SV
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-1 1.FC Kaiserslautern
Hannover 96 2-0 VfL Wolfsburg

Bundesliga - BVB vs FCB tonight: Clash of the Season

The Bundesliga title race is a close one this season with FC Bayern Munich just three points behind Borussia Dortmund and the two clubs meet tonight in what many expect to be a high class game, but the title most likely will not be decided tonight with four rounds of matches to be played thereafter even if Dortmund win and move six points clear.

The match between the defending champions BVB and record champions FCB at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park will be between the two currently best German football clubs with a huge interest in the match. The game will be shown live in over 200 countries with Dortmund receiving ticket interests from over 450,000 fans.

The situation before the match is clear. If Dortmund win, then it will be the killer blow for Bayern Munich's title quest; while any other result - a draw or win- will keep the title race open until the end. Both teams come into the match with impressive series. Dortmund are unbeaten in their last 23 Bundesliga matches, while Bayern Munich have won their last nine matches across all competitions.

Dortmund come into the match having won their last three encounter against Bayern Munich, amongst them a 1-0 away win through a Mario Götze goal earlier in the season, with the Bavarians having a track record of losing four matches in a row only against Werder Bremen. FCB know that only a win counts and their confidence after the series of wins is on a high but just like Dortmund they aren't hyping-up the match with both sides playing an uncharacteristic low key media build-up.

Both sides are expected to field their currently strongest teams with Dortmund to continue to miss the services of a recovering Mario Götze, while at Bayern it isn't clear if Bastian Schweinsteiger will get a start or coach Jupp Heynckes opts for Toni Kroos and Luis Gustavo.

At 20.00 CET is kick-off and lets hope for a good game.

Bundesliga Column - Round 29: Dortmund & Bayern Munich win ahead of big clash

Round 29 of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season saw both title aspirants Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich win tough assignments ahead of their clash on Wednesday in Dortmund. Meanwhile in the relegation battle 1.FC Kaiserlautern look relegated after another disappointing loss, while from 11th placed 1.FSV Mainz 05 down all clubs are fighting to stay in the Bundesliga.

Both Dortmund and Bayern Munich were made to work hard for their three points on Saturday. Dortmund looked to cruise with a 2-0 lead through Lewandowski and Gündogan goals against VfL Wolfsburg away, but a Mandzukic goal for the VW owned club and suddenly things were much more difficult as Dortmund needed a late Lewandowski second to secure all three points.

Bayern Munich meanwhile scored the fastest goal of the season after just 24 seconds as birthday boy Franck Ribery broke free on the left flank for Mario Gomez to score of his second attempt. But thereafter Bayern sat back and allowed Augsburg to be part of the game as South Korean Ja-Cheol Koo equalised before a tired looking FCB scored the winner in the second session through another Mario Gomez goal off Arjen Robben.

In other matches Stuttgart continue to impress as they jumped into fifth place with now 43 points following a 4-1 trashing of Mainz 05. The match saw a curiosity as Stuttgart's Martin Harnik received a penalty after he committed himself a foul and thereafter went down. A real talking point after this weekend.

Sunday saw the debut of Sami Hyypiä as Bayer 04 Leverkusen's interim coach against Hamburger SV. And to the surprise of all Michael Ballack made a comeback after a two month injury. The match ended one-all and there isn't much to write about it, but for both teams a point isn't enough in their current situation.

This weekend saw none of the teams fighting relegation picking-up three points as five of them drew and three teams lost their games, which now pits eight clubs in the relegation battle. While Kaiserslautern look relegated with 20 points and no real fighting spirit to avoid the drop, Hertha BSC Berlin are 17th with 27 points while 11th Mainz have 33 points. With five rounds of matches to play anything looks possible as the magic mark remains the 40 points.


Round 29 Results

VfL Wolfsburg 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
1.FC Köln 1-1 SV Werder Bremen
VfB Stuttgart 4-1 1.FSV Mainz 05
SC Freiburg 2-2 1.FC Nürnberg
1.FC Kaiserslautern 1-2 1899 Hoffenheim
FC Bayern München 2-1 FC Augsburg
Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-0 Hertha BSC Berlin
FC Schalke 04 3-0 Hannover 96
Hamburger SV 1-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bundesliga Column - Round 28: Bayern Munich close the gap at the top

Round 28 of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season saw Borussia Dortmund drop vital points in the title race in a sensational 4-4 draw against Stuttgart as Bayern Munich reduced the gap at the top to only three points now; while the relegation battle has intensified further with Freiburg, Augsburg and Hamburg picking-up wins, while Cologne, Hertha Berlin and Kaiserslautern lost.

On Friday evening Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart played out most likely the match of this season. The game ended four-all after especially an intense and incredible last 20 minutes. Dortmund looked to be in-charge after taking an early 2-0 lead by the 49th minute through Kagawa and Blaszczykowski, but Stuttgart turned things around with three goals in eight minutes as strikers Ibisevic and then a double from Schieber scored. Dortmund hit back through goals from Hummels and Perisic
to make it 4-3, but Gentner scored a sensational equaliser in the second minute of injury time.

Dortmund lost crucial points in the title race then Bayern Munich won their away tie in Nürnberg and reduced the gap at the top now only three points. The two clubs are set to meet in Dortmund on April 11 which could be the title decider, especially if Dortmund win and once more widen the gap.

Behind the top duo the clubs fighting for UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League places are in no mood to win as Schalke, Gladbach, Leverkusen, Bremen, Stuttgart all dropped points as Hannover moved into fifth place while Wolfsburg in ninth are also in with a chance.

In the relegation battle Hamburg after four losses scored a big point why winning away to bottom club 1.Kaiserslautern, who now look relegated. Hertha BSC Berlin played well against Wolfsburg but were trashed 1-4 and stay in 17th position, while FC Cologne dropped to the playoff spot 16th after the loss away to FC Augsburg who continue their good run just like SC Freiburg who won away in Leverkusen.


Round 28 Results

Borussia Dortmund 4-4 VfB Stuttgart
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-2 SC Freiburg
1.FC Kaiserslautern 0-1 Hamburger SV
FC Augsburg 2-1 1.FC Köln
1.FC Nürnberg 0-1 FC Bayern München
SV Werder Bremen 0-3 1.FSV Mainz 05
Hertha BSC Berlin 1-4 VfL Wolfsburg
Hannover 96 2-1 Borussia Mönchengladbach
1899 Hoffenheim 1-1 FC Schalke 04

Mario Goetze extends Dortmund contract until 2016

Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund has extended the contract of their teenage sensation Mario Goetze by another two years until 2016. Goetze follows coach Jürgen Klopp, Director of Sports Michael Zorc, Management Head Hans-Joachim Watzke besides team mates Sven Bender, Lukasz Piszczek and Ivan Perisic who all had extended their contracts until 2016, while Marco Reus joins the club in the summer from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Dortmund is trying to secure their long-term future and they see Mario Goetze as a key element of this plan. The 19 year old from Memmingen in southern Germany is happy to remain at Dortmund where he feels at home though having had offers from FC Arsenal and FC Bayern Munich.

Goetze is seen one of Germany's biggest young talent, who is currently recovering from an injury. Goetze hopes to be fit again in about 10 days time after having missed a few weeks of match action.

On the contract extension Goetze said, "Everyone knows how happy I am here in Germany. The team is currently in a developmental stage and I want to continue to be a part of this development."

Bundesliga Column - Round 27: The Relegation Battle intensifies

Round 27 of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season saw a number of teams in the relegation zone win, which has put pressure on teams above them then out of the earlier four now eight, maybe even nine clubs could be fighting to stay in the league until the end of the season.

Especially the incredible runs from FC Augsburg and SC Freiburg, who a few weeks ago seemed doomed for relegation has surprised many while other clubs like 1.Kaiserslautern, Hertha BSC Berlin, Hamburger SV and FC Cologne have not been picking-up enough points.

Bulgarian Krassimir Balakov made his debut as the new coach at bottom side 1.FC Kaiserslautern. Balakov happens to be a former Bundesliga star at Stuttgart and knows the league well, but he only joined midweek from Croatian side Hajduk Split. He couldn't do much as Lautern lost 0-2 in Freiburg against an inform side who moved into 13th spot.

Another inform side Augsburg needed an injury time equaliser against Bremen to continue their unbeaten run, while Hertha BSC scored a crucial win away to Mainz though staying on an automatic relegation spot. But the worry of the league are Hamburg and Cologne who suffered more defeats. While Hamburg has now lost four matches in a row, Cologne were trashed 6-1 by champions Dortmund.

For Dortmund the 6-1 win against Cologne on Sunday was crucial then Bayern Munich had closed the gap to just two points after their hard-earned 2-1 win against Hannover 96. The title race is one as both sides keep the momentum going, while Schalke moved into third spot with a 2-0 win against Leverkusen, while Mönchengladbach lost to Hoffenheim as they did not overcome their midweek German Cup blues.


Round 27 Results

VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 Hamburger SV
1.FSV Mainz 05 1-3 Hertha BSC Berlin
Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-2 1899 Hoffenheim
FC Bayern München 2-1 Hannover 96
SV Werder Bremen 1-1 FC Augsburg
SC Freiburg 2-0 1.FC Kaiserslautern
FC Schalke 04 2-0 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
VfB Stuttgart 1-0 1.FC Nürnberg
1.FC Köln 1-6 Borussia Dortmund

Bundesliga Column - Round 26: Dortmund & Bayern Munich march on

Round 26 of the 2011/12 Bundesliga season saw wins for the top four teams and many of the teams in the bottom half of the table gained valuable pointswith the relegation battle being expanded to teams, who had thought that they were already out of trouble and save. The big loser of the weekend where Hertha BSC Berlin and their veteran coach Otto Rehhagel, who now find themselves in the relegation zone.

Borussia Dortmund returned to winning ways after last weeks goalless draw against FC Augsburg with a 1-0 win against Werder Bremen. Dortmund could have won by a bigger margin against a young Bremen side, but their finishing wasn't as sharp as in recent weeks. The yellow-blacks now are on a 20 match unbeaten run, a new all-time club record. The golden goal was scored by Japanese birthday boy Shinji Kagawa as early as the eighth minute.

But Bayern Munich stay in the title race with their first away win in 2012, an emphatic 6-0 against relegation threatened Hertha BSC Berlin. Bayern continued where they had left off against Hoffenheim and Basel having scored seven goals in both these matches. Within 19 minutes Bayern were 3-0 ahead, the victory sealed and thereafter it seemed a race against time to score seven goals in the third match in a row. It ended with six, but after this crucial away win and that once more in such fashion Dortmund now know that the Bavarians will try and snatch the title from them.

Third-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach returned to winning ways with a late winner from Igor de Camargo two minutes from time in a 2-1 away win at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who themselves are now on a three match losing streak. For Gladbach the win was vital as they now have a 11 point led over fifth-placed Leverkusen in the race for the Champions league places. A loss would have closed the gap to only five points, which now means for Leverkusen to play again in next seasons Champions League looks very unlikely.

While in Kaiserslautern the lights seem to be going off after their 1-4 defeat against Schalke on Sunday and Hertha BSC dropping to 17th following their trashing by Bayern Munich, FC Augsburg and SC Freiburg continued their recent good run with further victories, while FC Cologne and Hamburger SV with losses moved closer to the drop zone.

Round 26 Results

1899 Hoffenheim 1-2 VfB Stuttgart
1.FC Nürnberg 1-3 VfL Wolfsburg
FC Augsburg 2-1 1.FSV Mainz 05
Hamburger SV 1-3 SC Freiburg
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-2 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Dortmund 1-0 SV Werder Bremen
Hertha BSC Berlin 0-6 FC Bayern München
1.FC Kaiserslautern 1-4 FC Schalke 04
Hannover 96 4-1 1.FC Köln

Bundesliga Column: Bayern Munich close gap at the top

After last weekends matches it seemed that Borussia Dortmund defending their Bundesliga title was a foregone conclusion, but only a week later their lead ahead of FC Bayern Munich has been cut from seven to five points and the Bavarians are back in the hunt for the title. This is how quickly things can change in football.

The highlight of Round 25 was Bayern Munich's impressive 7-1 trashing of 1899 Hoffenheim. The Bavarians have been facing problems since the start of 2012 and it seemed that in this match they tried to get rid of all their frustration as Mario Gomez scored thrice, Arjen Robben twice plus Toni Kroos and Franck Ribery once. FC Bayern are ready for tomorrow's UEFA Champions League return-leg against Swiss side FC Basel.

Champions Borussia Dortmund after eight wins in a row were held to a goalless draw by promoted FC Augsburg, who in recent weeks have been showing that they have finally arrived in the Bundesliga. And FCA could have won the match against the BVB, who weren't able to perform to the level they have in recent weeks.

In Cologne the key topic over the last few weeks has been Lukas Podolski and it wasn't any different against Hertha BSC Berlin. FC Cologne had a great half with Podolski a key player, but Podolski received a red card which wasn't one in the second session. In the end Cologne won deservingly 1-0 through a Clemens' goal. But Podolski was once more the talking point.

Elsewhere on Sunday Werder Bremen and FC Schalke scored in the end convincing wins to keep their push for European spots on track, while earlier on Saturday Mönchengladbach were held goalless by Freiburg as Gladbach seem to be running out of steam.


Round 25 Results

VfB Stuttgart 0-0 1.Kaiserslautern
VfL Wolfsburg 3-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
1.FSV Mainz 05 2-1 1.FC Nürnberg
VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-0 SC Freiburg
1.FC Köln 1-0 Hertha BSC Berlin
FC Bayern München 7-1 1899 Hoffenheim
FC Augsburg 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
SV Werder Bremen 3-0 Hannover 96
FC Schalke 04 3-1 Hamburger SV

Bundesliga Column: Dortmund open up 7 point gap

In my opinion the German Bundesliga currently is the most exciting top tier football league in Europe. One just has to have a look at the results from this weekend, which were surely not on expected lines.

Defending Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund will be the happiest of all sides after Round 24, then its three title opponents FC Bayern Munich, Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Schalke 04 all lost their away matches, while Dortmund won their eight straight match in a row, a club record. Dortmund now have a seven point lead of Bayern Munich, whose title charge was derailed by Robin Dutt and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. After the match Bayern players and officials said that they do not need to speak about the title this season anymore. Meanwhile after three wins in row Leverkusen are now only three points behind Schalke, the fourth UEFA Champions League spot.

While the title race seems over for Mönchengladbach and Schalke, who seem to have lost steam in the last few weeks; Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp has not ruled out the Bavarian giants then he said after beating Mainz that Bayern Munich are still in with a chance to win the title.

Hertha BSC Berlin's veteran coach Otto Rehhagel had an emotional Saturday afternoon, then his former club of 14 years Werder Bremen were guests in the Olympic Stadium and relegation fighting Hertha retained the three crucial points in the capital; while also relegation fighting Freiburg beat Schalke and the other sides currently involved 1.FC Köln, FC Augsburg and 1.FC Kaiserslautern all drew their matches.


Round 24 Results

Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2-0 FC Bayern München
SC Freiburg 2-1 FC Schalke 04
Hertha BSC Berlin 1-0 SV Werder Bremen
Hamburger SV 0-4 VfB Stuttgart
1.FC Kaiserslautern 0-0 VfL Wolfsburg
Hannover 96 2-2 FC Augsburg
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 1.FSV Mainz 05
1.FC Nürnberg 1-0 VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach
1899 Hoffenheim 1-1 1.FC Köln