So much for a resurgence and a title challenge for Schalke 04. They're off to an absolutely nightmare start in the Bundesliga, falling 3-0 today to VFB Stuttgart. Ralf Rangnick opted to use Raul in a deeper position - basically in the midfield - and that move backfired spectacularly. Additionally, Ralf Fährmann, though he was not fully at fault for any of the goals, did not exactly look the part of a Manuel Neuer replacement.
Stuttgart Defeat Schalke, Wolfsburg Win In Early Saturday Bundesliga Matches
'Maza' Fransisco Rodriguez had an absolutely brilliant debut for Stuttgart, and his partnership with Serdar Tasci could be an excellent one this season, finally aiding Stuttgart's defensive woes. Schalke don't look the part of a European contender at all, and the 3-0 scoreline is an accurate reflection of what happened on the pitch.
Elsewhere, Felix Magath got off to a good start with Wolfsburg, Augsburg got off to a good start in the Bundesliga, and Hannover won without their captain.
VFB Stuttgart 3-0 Schalke 04
Goals by Cacao (though it might get changed to Maza's goal), Martin Harnik and Shinji Okazaki. The final goal, Okazaki's, was an absolute cracker of a strike from 25 yards out that beat Fährmann easily.
FC Augsburg 2-2 SC Freiburg
With both teams likely involved in the relegation battle this season, this match was a key fixture despite the fact that it took place in Week 1. Papiss Djemba Cisse opened the scoring in the 48th minute and Sascha Mölders answered with a goal of his own in the 54th. Cedric Makiandi answered instantly in the 55th with what appeared to be the winner, but Mölders completed his brace in the 81st, leveling the match and scoring a credible draw for Augsburg in their Bundesliga debut.
FC Cologne 0-3 VFL Wolfsburg
How a team with both Lukas Podolski and Milivoje Novakovic can be so incredibly poor is one of the great mysteries of science. Patrick Helmes - one of the great bargain signings of last January's transfer window - scored the opener on the 17th minute. Novakovic got sent off int he 80th and the flood gates opened as a result. Marcel Schäfer scored in the 85th and Helmes added a second goal in stoppage time.
Hannover 96 2-1 Hoffenheim
Due to a nagging injury that he hasn't quite been able to shake off completely, Hannover captain and USA international Steve Cherundolo sat on the bench for this match. His team ultimately wouldn't need him as they won 2-0. Jan Schlaudraff scored the game's only goal from open play for Hannover, while Mohammed Abdellaoue and Sejad Salihovic netted penalties for their respective teams.
Werder Bremen 2-0 Kaiserslautern
After a disappointing first half, Werder came alive in the second with two goals from Markus Rosenburg. The first was a solo effort, while the second was an assist from substitute Wesley. How Wesley does not get into Werder’s starting XI is beyond comprehension.
There is one match remaining on Saturday, Hertha Berlin vs. Nuremburg.
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