Bundesliga, Week 1: Hannover, Schalke Entertain In 2-2 Draw

Hannover and Schalke shared the points today at the AWD Arena in Hannover. The hosts needed a late goal from substitute Adrian Nikci to secure a 2-2 draw.

The visitors controlled most of the first half, but conceded a free kick inside their half of the field just before halftime. Christian Pander sent a great free kick into the penalty area, and Hannover’s new signee Felipe headed the ball past Timo Hildebrand in the 43rd minute. Replays showed criminal defending by Schalke as Felipe was left completely unmarked at the back post. Roman Neustädter in particular was wondering around aimlessly.

Eintracht Frankfurt marked their return to the Bundesliga with an impressive victory at home against Bayer Leverkusen. Stefan Aigner and Martin Lanig scored the goals for the hosts in the 2-1 victory.

Stefan Kießling nearly broke through for the visitors in the 26th minute when he was played in by Karim Bellarabi. Kevin Trapp made a brilliant foot save to keep the match scoreless. That wouldn’t last for long. Four minutes later Kießling beat Trapp to a rebound from a Bellarabi shot. Leverkusen

Fortuna Düsseldorf made their return to the Bundesliga after a decade and a half a memorable one. It’s hard to argue with a two goal victory and a clean sheet away from home.

The match was slow to build, and the first real chance for either side came after half an hour. Düsseldorf’s Oliver Fink put a poor shot on target that was easily saved by Augsburg’s Simon Jentzsch.

It was the Juan Arango show at Borussia Park as the Venezuelan midfielder led Borussia Mönchengladbach to a 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim.

Just like in the first half, Xhaka drew another free kick deep inside Hoffenheim territory. Arango stepped up to take another free kick. The crowd erupted moments later when Arango’s left footed blast found it’s way into the top corner of the net.

The 50th season of the German Bundesliga kicks off this weekend. We’re shaping up for what could be a truly special year. The Bundesliga has developed a very strong depth over the last several years thanks in part to the increased development of young German players throughout the league. Borussia Dortmund have won back to back titles, and Bayern Munich have been shut out of trophies for the last two seasons. Can Bayern find their groove back this season? Dropping down the table a bit, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg have had their struggles over the last several years, can they put things right and find their way back up the table and in Europe?

Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen - 20:30 CET / 2:30 PM EDT