Bundesliga Matchday Review: Thrilling Returns and Record-Breaking Performances

The Bundesliga has made a spectacular return! Despite the cancellation of two fixtures—Werder Bremen vs. Hoffenheim and St. Pauli vs. RB Leipzig—due to heavy snowfall, we were treated to an impressive total of 35 goals across seven matches. Here is your matchday review for the Bundesliga in 2026.

On Sunday evening, Bayern Munich announced their resurgence with a resounding 8-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg.

Bayern featured six different goalscorers, not including two own goals from VfL defenders. Michael Olise was the standout performer, netting two goals and narrowly missing out on a hat trick. His signature inverted runs have drawn comparisons to Arjen Robben, although head coach Vincent Kompany prefers to let Olise carve out his own identity.

The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Harry Kane’s stunning goal, which marked his 20th in the Bundesliga this season. Picking up the ball on the left side of the box, he skillfully curved it into the top corner, kissing the crossbar as it went in. This achievement makes him the first player since Timo Konietzka to score at least 20 goals in their first three Bundesliga seasons, a record that has stood for six decades.

For Wolfsburg, this marks a dismal beginning to the new year. The own goals from defenders Kilian Fischer and Moritz Jenz have now brought their season total to four, setting a record for the most own goals a team has conceded in three consecutive matches.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with a thrilling 3-3 draw between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund. The visitors took an early lead, but Frankfurt quickly equalized from the penalty spot after Serhou Guirassy fouled Robin Koch.

Dortmund regained the lead in the 67th minute through Felix Nmecha, whose deflected shot found the back of the net. However, Frankfurt responded with two rapid-fire goals, including a strike from former Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud. BVB managed to salvage a point just before the final whistle when substitute Carney Chukwuemeka scored, resulting in a pulsating finish.

Union Berlin’s match against Mainz 05 almost didn’t go ahead due to snow, but the dedication of the Union fans ensured a safe environment. With the return of former head coach Urs Fischer, the atmosphere was electric, though Mainz dominated much of the match, leading 2-0 until late in the game. However, substitutes Jeong Woo-yeong and Marin Ljubičić turned the tide for Union, securing a dramatic equalizer.

In other notable matches, VfB Stuttgart delivered a masterclass against Bayer Leverkusen, winning 4-1, with Jamie Leweling scoring twice on his 100th Bundesliga appearance. SC Freiburg secured a late 2-1 victory over Hamburger SV, while Borussia Mönchengladbach achieved a commanding 4-0 win against FC Augsburg.

Finally, FC Heidenheim and FC Köln shared a 2-2 draw, highlighted by Marvin Pieringer’s remarkable goal.

The Bundesliga will reconvene on Tuesday and Wednesday for more midweek excitement. We hope to see you there!