Bundesliga Matchday 10 Recap: Bayern Munich Stumbles, Paul Simonis Dismissed, Rhine Derby Thrills, and More

Bundesliga Matchday 10 Recap

Matchday 10 in the Bundesliga marked a series of notable events, including Bayern Munich’s first dropped points of the season, a coaching dismissal, high-scoring matches, late equalizers, and a Rhine derby featuring three penalty kicks. Here’s a detailed summary of the action from matchday 10 in what many consider the Premier League.

Bayern’s First Dropped Points

For the first time this season across all competitions, Bayern Munich failed to secure a win. Facing Union Berlin, the match ended in a draw, with Bayern fortunate to escape without a defeat.

Union’s striker Ilyas Ansah nearly broke the deadlock in the 9th minute with a header from a Leopold Querfeld corner. However, the goal was overturned after a lengthy VAR review flagged Ansah as just offside by an incredibly slim margin. The term “marginally” became a focal point, as the tiny distance of about five millimeters was not easily visible to the naked eye.

Steffen Baumgart shared his thoughts on the disallowed goal after the match, emphasizing the drastic nature of the decision.

The first goal should have counted. To dismiss it for being five millimeters offside proves someone has been misled. I could draw that line multiple times for clarity.

After the initial setback, Union took the lead in the 29th minute through Danilho Doekhi. Bayern’s Luis Diaz found the equalizer before halftime, only for Doekhi to score again late in the second half, seemingly sealing the game. However, the ever-reliable Harry Kane rescued a point for Bayern with a goal in injury time, ensuring they remain six points ahead of RB Leipzig in the standings.

Derby Triumph for Borussia Mönchengladbach

Borussia Mönchengladbach triumphed over FC Köln in the Rhine derby, securing their second consecutive victory following a recent win in the league.

Going into the clash, FC Köln had reason to feel optimistic, but Gladbach controlled much of the first half. As halftime approached, the hosts earned a penalty after a foul on Franck Honorat by Kristoffer Lund. Haris Tabakovic’s initial attempt was saved but led to a corner, from which Gladbach scored through Philipp Sander’s volley.

Following this, Gladbach was awarded another penalty when Lund handled the ball in the box. Kevin Diks scored to double the lead, and just minutes later, Tabakovic added another goal on the counterattack. Köln managed a late penalty but it was too little, too late. With this 3-1 win, Gladbach is now considering the possibility of retaining interim coach Eugen Polanski beyond the upcoming international break.

Wolfsburg Part Ways With Paul Simonis

After a disappointing loss to Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg announced the firing of head coach Paul Simonis. The defeat, which saw two late goals from Bremen, left Wolfsburg languishing in 14th place, perilously close to relegation.

In a statement, managing director Peter Christiansen expressed regret over the decision but stressed that it became necessary following a series of poor results. Daniel Bauer, previously the head coach of Wolfsburg’s U19 team, has been appointed as the interim manager. Bauer had prior experience in a temporary role, guiding the team for the final two matches of the previous season after Ralph Hasenhüttl’s departure.

Wolfsburg will now utilize the international break to search for a permanent coach ahead of their next match against Bayer Leverkusen on November 21.

Match Highlights

In other Bundesliga action, Hamburger SV snatched a last-gasp equalizer to draw 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund, with HSV earning a well-deserved point as BVB struggled offensively. TSG Hoffenheim continued their strong run with a convincing 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig, climbing to sixth place and showcasing their resilience in coming back from losing positions.

Bayer Leverkusen dominated in a 6-0 win over Heidenheim, leading 5-0 by halftime, leaving late-arriving fans disappointed. Meanwhile, SC Freiburg triumphed 2-1 against St. Pauli, VfB Stuttgart edged past FC Augsburg 3-2, and Eintracht Frankfurt secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mainz 05.