The relegation fight is just heating up as well as the race for the places in Europe. That and more in the third to last Bundesliga round up of the 2016-17 season.
Borussia Dortmund knew that only a win would work to ensure making the Champions League group phase. A massive 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim. Described as the Coachie Co by one newspaper this wasn’t the greatest seen. This match was very much a different sort of Bundesliga match. It was very tight, and in the end Dortmund now has the pole position to 3rd in the league.
For weeks FC Koln has been criticized for dropping points all over the place. And yet they showed against Bremen that they are still gunning for a Europa League spot. This 4-3 goal fest had it all for the neutrals to enjoy. Bremen responded to all the Koln goals, still on their hot streak. But the Billy Goats ended up holding onto the three points and the 6th place in the Bundesliga with two left.
Wolfsburg has been only staying above the drop via goal difference for the last few weeks, but found that spark against Frankfurt. For the Wolves this victory give leverage heading into the final match date against HSV. They are not out of the weeds yet but getting all three points at Frankfurt came at the best of times.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga
Bayern found the net only once, but it was enough. Darmstadt was unable to win as they were officially relegated from the Bundesliga with the 1-0 result. This fall for Darmstadt was inevitable, only to have been prolonged for three weeks.
FC Ingolstadt was unable to hold onto their lead as they played to a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen is mostly out of the woods for the relegation fight but this could be the “what if” moment for Ingolstadt.
Mainz and HSV were in this week’s relegation six pointer, but were neither able to find the net. A 0-0 draw leaves both tied on 33 points and HSV via goal difference in the relegation playoff.
Borussia Monchengladbach might be missing out on Europe after conceding to FC Augsburg. This 1-1 result gives more belief to their relegation survival.
Red Bull Leipzig all but confirmed their second place in the Bundesliga with a 4-1 victory over Hertha. Berlin’s drop off is at the worst of times as they continue to fall down the table and risk falling out of Europe.
SC Freiburg continues to show up the rest of the league. A 2-0 victory over Schalke will keep the Royals Blues out of Europe but the promoted club is now in fifth and possibly looking at Europe after recent relegation.
Player of the Week
Go to Anthony Modeste and he will score. A brace for the Billy Goats gives him 25 goals on the season. There can only be Europe to expect after an incremental rise in the league season upon season, as they have built the club in a smart fashion.
