German Bundesliga, Matchday 3: Schalke Defeat Mainz, Hannover Share Spoils

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.

1. FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Schalke 04

Wolfsburg had very little in the way of chances, but Marc-Andre ter Steegen was forced into a couple of difficult saves, which he made well. All in all, Gladbach probably created four times more scoring opportunities than their opponents while keeping possession for two-thirds of the match, absolutely dominating Wolfsburg from Reus’s equalizer to the final whistle. Simon Kjaer, Wolfsburg’s highly touted central defender, was absolutely shocking while the seemingly talented midfield in front of him did nothing to make his job easier.

Die Wölfe have much more talent than they showed on Friday night, and their performance was as unexpected as it was abysmal. A team this talented with a manager as experienced as Magath shouldn’t have another shocker like this, but based on Wolfsburg’s struggles last year and Schalke’s struggles under Magath in the same timeframe, you never know.

After a disappointing loss last week to Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund host FC Nürnberg looking to get back on track to defending their Bundesliga title. In other matches, Bayern München host Hamburg on Saturday and Mainz 05 host Schalke on Sunday.

FC Augsburg vs 1899 Hoffenheim

The Hoff come off of a massive victory last week at home against Dortmund. Sejad Salihović scored a spectacular free kick to give his side the win. Augsburg was able to pick up draws in their first two matches again Freiburg and Kaiserslautern, but Hoffenheim will be their first true test. Holger Stanlislawski has to be pleased with the sides performance last weekend, and they should carry it over this week. Pick: FC Augsburg 0 - 2 1899 Hoffenheim