Bayern vs. Hertha Highlights Midweek Bundesliga Action
Unlike in England, midweek matches are not that common in the Bundesliga. Hence, with round four’s action sandwiched in for Tuesday and Wednesday, they’re having what’s known as an “English week” in the German top-flight this week.
It’s a full round of action with some tantalizing matches, including a clash between the two teams currently tied at the top of the table.
Here’s what to watch while you’re on lunch this week, or sneaking a stream on your tablet under the desk.
Wolfsburg vs. Borussia Dortmund
Having followed-up their 6-0 Champions League thrashing of Legia Warsaw in midweek with similar hammering of Darmstadt in the league Saturday, Borussia Dortmund is perhaps the in-form team in Europe currently. Next up for Thomas Tuchel’s men is a trip to Volkswagen Arena to face Wolfsburg.
After three rounds, Dortmund find themselves in fifth, tied on points with Gladbach and Frankfurt. Wolfsburg sit a point behind in eighth and will need to produce a lot more than they did in their scoreless draw with Hoffenheim on the weekend. In particular, manager Dieter Hecking will be looking to get more production out of striker Mario Gomez, who has yet to find the net for the Wolves, and attacker Julian Draxler, who also has yet to score this season and spurned several opportunities against Hoffenheim.
Dortmund on the other hand, have goals raining in from all quarters with Gonzalo Castro, Adrian Ramos, Sebastian Rode, Emre Mor, and Christian Pulisic all having hit the net against Darmstadt.
The continuing progress of Pulisic will be of particular interest (and delight) to U.S. soccer fans. The American, who turned 18 this week, has nailed down a regular starting spot for Dortmund and followed up Saturday’s goal with an assist.
Watch Wolfsburg vs. Dortmund this Tuesday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m. EST on Fox Sports 1.
Bayern Munich vs. Hertha Berlin
After three rounds of action, Bayern Munich are at their familiar place, sitting atop the Bundesliga standings. But currently, the Bavarians find themselves in the unfamiliar position of sharing top billing with a club that’s never even won the league in Hertha Berlin.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern got the job done in an unspectacular and somewhat labored victory over Ingolstadt on Saturday. Although the 3-1 scoreline looks flattering, Bayern had to come from behind after Dario Lezcano struck to give the visitors a surprise lead inside of 10 minutes. Bayern being Bayern, they eventually found a way with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Xabi Alonso and Rafinha proving more than enough to down their Bavarian rivals.
But Bayern looked wobbly, particularly in the second half and had Ingolstadt made more of the chances they created, they might have snatched a draw.
Hertha Berlin looked far more convincing in their 2-0 win over Schalke on Sunday. The capital club maintained its perfect start with second half goals from Mitchell Weiser and Valentin Stocker consigning Schalke to its worst-ever start to a season.
Hertha have now scored six goals and let in just one this season. Which means despite a home field advantage, Ancelotti’s Bayern will need to find a higher gear than it was stuck in on the weekend if it wants to take full points this Hertha team that’s arguably been the best to watch in Germany this season.
Catch Bayern Munich vs. Hertha Berlin at 2pm ET Wednesday on FS1.