Freiburg have failed to capitalize on Bayern Munich’s slip-up after being hammered 6-0 at Wolfsburg – and it’s allowed Eintracht Frankfurt to take second place in the Bundesliga thanks to their 3-0 win over Schalke.
On Friday, champions Bayern could only draw 1-1 at now fifth-placed RB Leipzig as the German top flight resumed following its long mid-season break, but they were still left on top by five points after Saturday’s matches.
It means Bayern are officially ‘winter champions’ again as they will remain top at the mid-point of the campaign whatever happens in the week.
Like Wolfsburg, Cologne also went goal crazy on their return to action, thrashing fellow mid-table side Werder Bremen 7-1 at home – six of the goals, including a double from Steffen Tigges, came in a frantic first half.
Elsewhere, third-placed Union Berlin left it late to seal a 3-1 comeback win at home to Hoffenheim, Bochum beat second-bottom Hertha Berlin 3-1 and VfB Stuttgart drew 1-1 with Mainz in Bruno Labbadia’s first game back in charge. .
Wolfsburg stunned Freiburg after Patrick Wimmer scored in just the second minute and Jonas Wind netted a brace before Yannick Gerhardt, Ridle Baku and Luca Waldschmidt struck.
Hosts Frankfurt went above now fourth-placed Freiburg on goal difference after superb finishes from Jesper Lindstrom and Rafael Borre, as well as Aurelio Buta’s late goal, in a flattering scoreline against bottom side Schalke.
The unlucky Royal Blues now have the worst away record in Bundesliga history, having not won in 36 games.
Schalke striker Simon Terodde said: “It is simple in football – you have to score when you have so many chances. Frankfurt were ice-cool. Three shots, three goals.”
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