Bundesliga: Bayern Munich starting to feel their way while Borussia Dortmund checked

The Bundesliga always throws up surprises, and it was the same last weekend on Matchday 2. Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 2-1 defeat to SC Freiburg, while Hoffenheim were held to a 2-2 draw against FC Union Berlin. In this preview, we will run the rule over two games this weekend — Dortmund v Hoffenheim, and Bayern Munich v Hertha Berlin.

Borussia Dortmund have a week to forget

It was ultimately a week to forget for Borussia Dortmund. After crashing to a 3-1 defeat in the German Super Cup final against Bayern Munich, Dortmund fell flat against Freiburg. The stats were damning, as Freiburg mustered 19 shots compared to Dortmund’s eight, and Freiburg had 70% possession. Although Dortmund scored in their 34th Bundesliga game in a row, their winning streak ended.

It was also a day when goal machine Erling Haaland fired a rare blank. Dortmund coach Marco Rose bemoaned the way his side played and believes they need to get back to basics. Speaking after the game, he said: “Our passing tempo was too slow, we tried to force the issue.”

• Borussia Dortmund to beat Hoffenheim @2/5 with Casumo
• Erling Haaland to score anytime for Dortmund @7/20 with Casumo

Hoffenheim hoping to learn lessons from Union Berlin draw

After a thumping 4-0 win over Augsburg on the opening day of the Bundesliga campaign, Hoffenheim were forced to share the spoils against Union Berlin. Hoffenheim took the lead twice, but they were pegged back, and what was even more frustrating, was that they dominated possession, but they couldn’t make it count. Maybe they can expose some of Dortmund’s defensive frailties.

Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim: Unlocking the vault on past clashes

Dortmund v Hoffenheim could well be an intriguing encounter, as past matches will testify. So far, Dortmund shade the head-to-head record, and in the corresponding fixture at Signal Iduna Park last term, the two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Hoffenheim looked like they were going to claim victory before Haaland struck nine minutes from the end of the game.

Bayern Munich doing things the hard way

In their opening game against Monchengladbach, Bayern were fortunate not to concede a penalty. Against Cologne last weekend, they raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry. But Cologne managed to level things just after the hour mark. Although Gnabry scored the match-winner, Bayern had to do things the hard way to get all three points.

Although it may seem like Bayern have been going through the motions at times, there is one constant… Lewandowski can’t stop scoring. He’s already scored four times in three competitive outings including the German Super Cup final, and while there has been speculation about his future recently, it doesn’t appear to be distracting him.

• Bayern Munich to beat Hertha Berlin @1/6 with Casumo
• Robert Lewandowski to score the first goal for Bayern Munich @39/20 with Casumo

Meanwhile, Bayern made a touching tribute to club legend Gerd Muller. The legendary striker died at the age of 75 last weekend and before the German Super Cup clash, the players held up his shirt (No.9) before kick-off. Muller left an indelible mark on the game, scoring 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga games for the German giants.

Bayern Munich v Hertha Berlin: A look back on past matches

Although Bayern’s start to the season hasn’t been as serene as they would have hoped, they are two points off the top and sit in the fourth spot. The visit of Hertha Berlin — who are rock bottom — could be just what Bayern needs! There have been 72 top-flight clashes between the two sides down the years. And Bayern unsurprisingly have dominated proceedings.

Last season, Bayern completed the double over Hertha Berlin both home and away. The 4-2 victory at the Allianz Arena was thrilling, as Lewandowski grabbed all four goals for the hosts. Hertha haven’t won any of their past six clashes with Bayern, with their last victory coming three years ago when they won 2-0.

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