The Bundesliga awakened from its winter slumber. Well, at least the players did. The referee of the Zweite Bundesliga match (Germany’s second highest league) between Duisburg and FSV Frankfurt obviously still had sleep in his eyes when he awarded a goal that was none. And I really mean none. Though the outcome of the match was not affected this was probably one of the worst phantom goals ever awarded in German football..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca3FwM3DuBc

Business as usual as the Bavarian machine ground out an uncontested 2-0 home victory against injury-ridden Hoffenheim. Arjen Robben was in fine fettle running knots into the legs of the Hoffenheim defense. The result could have been a lot higher if it weren’t for Mario Gomez. The Bayern striker had chance after chance served to him on a golden platter but failed to convert. A performance that was reminiscent of his appearances at the last European Championships.

League leaders Leverkusen overcame a deficit to beat Mainz 4-2 at home. The major discussion surrounding the match was not the outcome, nor any dodgy refereeing decisions but the future of Germany’s hottest talents – Toni Kroos. The 20-year old midfielder is on loan from Bayern Munich. Under the guidance of coach Jupp Heynckes, Kroos has featured in the starting XI all season, scoring 7 goals and setting up a further 5. Such performances have prompted Bayern to assert his return to Munich in the summer, with the player and Leverkusen hoping to prevent a return and thereby likely degradation to the bench. Should his classy performances continue Kroos might even feature in this summers World Cup…

On the subject of Leverkusen – despite 14 out of 18 Bundesliga coaches tipping Bayern Munich favourites to win the title this season, this blogger is putting his money (and – ahem – reputation) on Leverkusen to be crowned champion on 8 May.

In other news

Hertha Berlin recorded only their second victory of the season against Hannover and are looking to battle their way out of the relegation pit. Its going to take more than one victory, however.

Reigning champions Wolfsburg – winter transfer: Dieter Hoeness as manager – failed to assert themselves in Stuttgart and deservedly lost 3-1. Schalke ground out another result, beating Nürnberg 1-0. Werder Bremen lost to Eintracht Frankfurt and slip to sixth place.

For a German Bundesliga blog goto: http://blog.magazine-deutschland.de/2010/01/nach-kurzer-winterpause-hastig-richtung-saisonfinale/

Results

Bayern München   -  1899 Hoffenheim  2:0

Hannover 96   -  Hertha BSC Berlin  0:3

Eintracht Frankfurt   -  Werder Bremen  1:0

Borussia Mönchengladbach   -  VfL Bochum  1:2

Hamburger SV   -  SC Freiburg  2:0

Bayer Leverkusen   -  1. FSV Mainz 05  4:2

VfB Stuttgart   -  VfL Wolfsburg  3:1

FC Schalke 04   -  1. FC Nürnberg  1:0

1. FC Köln   -  Borussia Dortmund  2:3

Table

1   Bayer Leverkusen      38 P

2   FC Schalke 04    37 P

3   Bayern München      36 P

4   Hamburger SV     34 P

5   Borussia Dortmund     33 P

6   Werder Bremen 28 P

7   Eintracht Frankfurt     27 P

8   1899 Hoffenheim      25 P

9   VfL Wolfsburg    24 P

10   1. FSV Mainz 05    24 P

11   Borussia Mönchengladbach     21 P

12   VfB Stuttgart      19 P

13   VfL Bochum     19 P

14   1. FC Köln     18 P

15   SC Freiburg   18 P

16   Hannover 96    17 P

17   1. FC Nürnberg 12 P

18   Hertha BSC Berlin     9 P