Dortmund, Aug 28 (AP) Bayern Munich’s dominating start to the Bundesliga, highlighted by Harry Kane’s sixth goal in an opening win against Leipzig, might have suggested an early closure to the title race.
However, recent events imply otherwise.
Bayern’s vulnerabilities were exposed in a 3-2 German Cup win over third-division Wehen Wiesbaden, where Kane’s late header was essential. Despite fielding a strong lineup including Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz, Bayern showed susceptibility to a determined opponent utilizing counterattacks effectively.
Key matchups: Bayern is set to face Bavarian rivals Augsburg on Saturday, marking a reunion with Sandro Wagner, a former Bayern player now coaching Augsburg following their 3-1 triumph over Freiburg last weekend.
Among potential title contenders, only Eintracht Frankfurt impressed, defeating Werder Bremen 4-1 in their first league match since Hugo Ekitiké’s departure to Liverpool. Frankfurt travels to face Hoffenheim this Saturday.
Recently promoted Hamburger SV welcomes St. Pauli for a heated city derby on Friday. This is the first top-flight meeting between the cross-city rivals since 2011.
Players to watch: Former Real Madrid right-back Lucas Vázquez might debut for Bayer Leverkusen, which seeks recovery against Werder Bremen after a loss in Erik ten Hag’s initial league game. Vázquez is transitioning from a decade-long stint at Madrid.
Carney Chukwuemeka returns to Borussia Dortmund following a permanent transfer post-loan from Chelsea. Dortmund’s next challenge is against Union Berlin on Sunday.
Who’s out: Dortmund grapples with defensive issues as Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Süle, and Emre Can are injured. Filippo Mané is also suspended, reducing Niko Kovac's defensive options against Union.
Stuttgart barely survived a penalty shootout against Eintracht Braunschweig in the German Cup without defender Luca Jaquez, nursing a broken nose. Jeff Chabot and Ameen Al-Dakhil’s absences compound their woes as they prepare to host Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday.
Off the field: Jobe Bellingham aims for redemption after a lackluster Bundesliga debut, especially following his father’s controversial locker room discussion with sports director Sebastian Kehl. Furthermore, Dortmund coach Kovac was rewarded with a contract extension, recognizing his transformational impact since taking over in February.
A recent incident invoked regulatory changes after Leipzig’s disallowed goal against Bayern exposed limitations in current VAR protocols. Now, the International Football Association Board permits VAR intervention in such scenarios going forward, according to the German soccer federation. (AP) DDV
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