That could well be it. With Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win over Hoffenheim, and Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw with Hannover at the AWD Arena, the Bavarians took a nine point lead in the Bundesliga table over the champions, and it’s only October.
Elsewhere in a busy week of action, there were wins for Schalke, who bounced back from two consecutive draws to beat Wolfsburg 3-0 at the Veltins Arena, while Hamburg did enough to continue their ascent up the table against Greuther Furth. And, as always, Goal.com, was there to witness all the action and pick out the best talents.
Dortmund may have conceded a late equaliser for the second time within a week, but Roman Weidenfeller, so often the hero against Manchester City in midweek, put in a fine showing for Jurgen Klopp’s side, making a string of fine saves to keep his side in the match.
His club-mate, Lukasz Piszczek, was also in excellent form, putting his body on the line as Mirko Slomka’s side pressed for an equaliser, while Nikolce Noveski scored a late winner for Mainz against Fortuna Dusseldorf. Benedikt Howedes was a rock at the back for Schalke, while Heiko Westermann has been a key part of Hamburg’s recent revival.
Gladbach finally showed the sort of form that won them a fourth-placed finish last season with a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, and had Harvard Nordtveit marshalling the midfield, while Milan Badelj was another HSV star to showcase some excellent form.
Juan Arango scored a wonder goal to open the scoring for Lucien Favre’s side, Lewis Holtby continued to shine in the No.10 role vacated by Raul at the Veltins Arena this summer, and Franck Ribery fought off an injury worry to score twice for the incisive Bayern Munich.
Finally, former Germany striker Stefan Kiessling scored both goals for Leverkusen in an enthralling 2-2 draw with Stuttgart, continuing his excellent early season away form.