5 Big Talking Points from the Bundesliga’s Blistering Start

The Bundesliga season is off to an electrifying start, with Matchday 8 showcasing intriguing matches and standout performances from the league’s top teams. Here are the five biggest talking points from the weekend’s action:

1) Big Boys Still Dominating

If we compare the 2023/24 Bundesliga season to a long-distance cycle race, it’s clear that a breakaway group has formed at the front. All of the top five teams secured victories on Matchday 8, despite most of them playing away from home. Borussia Dortmund claimed a workmanlike 1-0 home victory over Werder Bremen, temporarily taking them to the top of the table. However, they were soon overtaken by Bayer Leverkusen, who impressively won 2-1 against Wolfsburg. Stuttgart also secured a 3-0 victory against Union Berlin, while Leipzig and Bayern Munich achieved 3-1 away victories against Darmstadt and Mainz, respectively. The top four teams are now separated by just two points, with RB Leipzig closely trailing behind. Leverkusen, Bayern, and Dortmund remain unbeaten this season.

2) Golden Oldies Shine

While young starlets often take the spotlight in the Bundesliga, Matchday 8 highlighted the importance of experienced players in getting the job done. Emre Can, who will turn 30 in January, assisted Julian Brandt, 27, in scoring the winning goal for Dortmund against Werder Bremen. Mats Hummels, 34, showcased his defensive skills, leading Dortmund to a clean sheet. Bayern Munich, too, is benefitting from the performance of their golden oldies. Harry Kane, who turned 30 this summer, became the first player in Bayern’s history to score nine goals in his first eight appearances, including a header against Mainz. Thomas Müller, 34, made history by becoming the Bayern player with the most Bundesliga wins.

3) Openda Takes Center Stage

RB Leipzig’s summer signing, Loïs Openda, proved his worth with a stunning brace against Darmstadt. The Belgian striker displayed his explosive finishing skills, scoring his first-ever brace in the Bundesliga. Openda’s early goal set the tone for Leipzig’s quick 2-0 lead, and his second goal in the 72nd minute sealed the victory against a spirited Darmstadt side. With six goals this season, Openda is now tied for fifth place in the race for the top goalscorer title. Coach Marco Rose praised Openda’s performance and believes he still has room for improvement.

4) Eagles Flying Under the Radar

Eintracht Frankfurt has quietly developed into a solid team under coach Dino Toppmöller. Despite a fairly unspectacular start to the season, Frankfurt boasts the Bundesliga’s best defense, having conceded only six goals in eight matches. Their impressive 3-1 away win against Hoffenheim showcased their stability and improved performance. Omar Marmoush, Ansgar Knauff, and Ellyes Skhiri were the goal-scoring heroes, ensuring Frankfurt’s second consecutive victory. With a strong defense and the potential for more goals, Frankfurt, currently in seventh place, has a promising campaign ahead.

5) State of the Union

Union Berlin’s fears of struggling in the Champions League have become a reality. The team from the capital suffered a comprehensive defeat at home to Stuttgart, marking their eighth consecutive loss in all competitions and sixth successive league defeat – a first in Bundesliga history. Despite their current dip in form, Union Berlin has proved their resilience in the past and made it to the Champions League from the lower leagues of German football. With a talented squad and high-profile signings, it’s only a matter of time before Union Berlin bounces back and regains the momentum that propelled them to a strong start this season.

Reference

Olivia Wilson

Olivia Wilson is a trendsetter in the world of digital culture. With an eagle eye for emerging trends and viral phenomena, she keeps readers up-to-date with the latest online sensations, memes, and pop culture trends. Olivia’s passion for staying ahead of the curve is infectious.