Schalke moved into fourth place with a victory at top of the table Mainz, while Hannover and Hertha Berlin shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
German Bundesliga, Matchday 3: Schalke Come From Two Down, Defeat Mainz 4-2
1. FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Schalke 04
Mainz started excellently striking quickly in the 7th minute. Andreas Ivanschitz latched on to a Zoltan Stieber free kick and powered his shot into the back of the net. They worked to capitalize on this early lead and struck again only minutes later. Mainz would maintain this play for the remainder of the half, but they were unable to convert this into any additional goals. At halftime Ralf Rangnick brought on Julian Draxler and reintroduced Jeffersson Farfan to the side after recovering from his injuries. Farfan’s introduction changed the complexion of the match completely. Raul unselfishly played a square pass to Klaas Jan-Huntelaar and the Dutch striker made no mistake finishing his chance bringing the visitors right back into the match. Schalke found their equalizer in the 64th minute when Benedikt Höwedes headed in a Farfan cross. The visitors would take the lead for good in the 81st minute when Joel Matip launched himself at a ball and knocked it into the net. In stoppage time Christian Fuchs would blast a free kick into the back of the Mainz net to give his side the 4-2 victory.
Hannover 96 vs Hertha BSC Berlin
A victory would move Hannover two points clear at the top of the table over shock leaders Borussia Mönchengladbach. Both sides opened cautiously looking to avoid the mistake that would cost a goal. In the 33rd minute Sergio Pinto stepped up to take a free kick. He would smash the free kick through a hole in the Berlin wall and into the back of the net. Hertha would finally strike back in the 83rd minute when Pierre-Michel Lasogga diverted across from Christian Lell into the net. The match would end in controversy however when Christian Pander sent in a long free kick that found it's way to the back of the net. The referee ruled it back when the assistant referee incorrectly ruled Didier Ya Konan offside. Hannover would have to settle for a 1-1 draw and second in the table on goal differential.
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