Bundesliga Matchday 10 Review: Bayern Drops Points and Managerial Changes

Matchday 10 of the Bundesliga showcased a series of significant events, including Bayern Munich’s first points drop this season, a managerial dismissal, thrilling five-goal encounters, last-minute equalisers, and a Rhine derby that featured three penalties. Here’s a comprehensive review of the weekend’s action in Germany’s top football league.

For the first time in all competitions this season, Bayern Munich encountered a setback, settling for a draw against Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon. In truth, they were fortunate to avoid a loss.

Union striker Ilyas Ansah scored what seemed to be the opening goal in the 9th minute from a corner taken by Leopold Querfeld. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to Ansah being ruled marginally offside. The term “marginally” is crucial in this context, as the naked eye could hardly discern the approximately five-millimeter advantage Ansah had over his defender.

Steffen Baumgart expressed his frustration at the final whistle, stating, “The first goal is a goal. To chalk it off for being five millimeters offside, someone has been huffing paint. I’ll draw that line 27 times for you.”

Despite this early misfortune, Union took the lead through Danilho Doekhi twenty minutes later. Luis Diaz equalised for Bayern just before halftime. However, Doekhi struck again, seemingly securing the win for Union with a second goal seven minutes from time.

Harry Kane, known for his reliability, salvaged a point for Bayern with a dramatic equaliser in the 92nd minute, ensuring the match ended in a draw. Bayern remains at the top of the table, six points clear of RB Leipzig in second place.

In the Rhine derby, Borussia Mönchengladbach triumphed over FC Köln, securing back-to-back victories following their first league win. FC Köln entered the match with confidence, but it was Gladbach that dominated much of the first half.

As the game approached halftime, Gladbach won a penalty following a foul by Kristoffer Lund on Franck Honorat. Unfortunately for them, Haris Tabakovic’s penalty was saved by Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe, who deflected the ball out for a corner.

From the ensuing corner, Philipp Sander volleyed the ball into the net, putting Gladbach ahead. Moments later, after a second penalty was awarded for another handball by Lund, Kevin Diks converted to extend the lead to 2-0. Three minutes later, a quick counterattack culminated in a goal by Tabakovic. Köln managed to score a consolation goal from the penalty spot late in the game, but it was too late for a comeback.

Following their 3-1 victory in the derby, Gladbach is now considering extending the tenure of interim coach Eugen Polanski beyond the upcoming international break.

In other matches, Wolfsburg suffered a 2-1 defeat to Werder Bremen after conceding two late goals. This loss left Wolfsburg in 14th place, just three points above the relegation zone. In light of their disappointing run, the club announced the sacking of head coach Paul Simonis. Wolfsburg U19 coach Daniel Bauer has been appointed as interim head coach, having previously taken charge of the team in the latter part of last season.

Managing director Peter Christiansen remarked on Simonis’s dismissal: “The decision to release Paul Simonis was not an easy one. We greatly appreciated his efforts, ideas, and engagement with the team. This step is personally painful for me, and we all share responsibility for the current situation, including the coaching staff, players, and the entire club.”

Wolfsburg will use the international break to search for a new head coach, with their next match on November 21 against Bayer Leverkusen.

Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Hamburger SV secured a dramatic equaliser against Borussia Dortmund with a goal in the 97th minute, ending the match at 1-1. HSV’s performance warranted the point, while BVB managed only one shot on target throughout the match.

TSG Hoffenheim continued their impressive form with a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig, moving up to 6th place and demonstrating their knack for earning points from losing positions.

Bayer Leverkusen showcased their dominance with a resounding 6-0 victory over Heidenheim, scoring five goals by halftime. Fans arriving late at the BayArena undoubtedly missed an explosive start. Meanwhile, Heidenheim appears at risk of relegation this season.

Other noteworthy results included SC Freiburg defeating St. Pauli 2-1, VfB Stuttgart edging past FC Augsburg 3-2, and Eintracht Frankfurt narrowly winning 1-0 against Mainz 05.