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Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin has been ruled out for three weeks with an ankle injury.
A disappointing weekend for Jurgen Klopp is compounded by the problem, which Sahin picked up in Dortmund's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Max Kruse scored the opener from the penalty spot after Mats Hummels had been dismissed for a foul on Havard Nordtveit and Raffael made sure of the points in the final five minutes.
Sahin picked up his injury late in the game, only coming off in the dying embers, but he is unlikely to be available after the upcoming international break.
Dortmund tweeted: "Sahin has suffered a partial crack of the outer ligament in the right ankle and will be out up to three weeks."
Klopp could also have doubts of Sven Bender, who picked up a knock against Gladbach.
The midfielder is set to join up with the Germany squad for their FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures with Republic of Ireland and Sweden and Klopp revealed after the game he will consult with national boss Joachim Low about his player's availability.
Bundesliga Round-up: Bayern unable to take full advantage of Dortmund slip
By ADAM SHERGOLD PUBLISHED: 19:39 GMT, 5 October 2013 | UPDATED: 19:40 GMT, 5 October 2013
Bayern Munich were unable to take full advantage of a Borussia Dortmund slip-up as they could only draw at third-placed Bayer Leverkusen - but it was still enough to take them top of the Bundesliga. Dortmund lost 2-0 at Borussia Monchengladbach earlier in the afternoon, offering the champions an opportunity to establish a three-point lead at the summit.However, despite former Leverkusen loanee Tony Kroos giving them a 29th minute lead at the BayArena, Sidney Sam equalised less than a minute later.
Heading to the top: Toni Kroos gave Bayern Munich the lead at Bayer Leverkusen, but they could only draw 1-1. The result was good enough to take them top of the Bundesliga after Borussia Dortmund lost
Smashed: Kroos fired the ball in from 12 yards after Franck Ribery delivered a low ball from the left
Leveller: Sidney Sam equalised for Bayer Leverkusen less than a minute later
Sunday
Nuremberg v Hamburg (2.30pm)
Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt (4.30pm)
Despite dropping two points, it was the Bavarian team's 33rd consecutive league game without defeat - three shy of the record.Bayern, fresh from their impressive performance against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, took the lead when Franck Ribery, a goalscorer at the Etihad, pulled the ball back for the unmarked Kroos to rifle home. But straight from the restart, the hosts, who defeated Real Sociedad in Europe on the same night, replied when goalkeeper Manuel Neuer parried Sebastian Boenisch's shot to Sam, who converted from close range.
Bayern missed a host of good chances, notably when Thomas Muller headed over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy on the stroke of half-time. Ribery twice went close in the early stages of the second half, only to be denied by keeper Bernd Leno. On the hour, Xherdan Shaqiri should have done better when left unmarked on the right, curling his shot over the bar.Arjen Robben also went close with a free-kick but Leno was up to the task as Sami Hyypia's Leverkusen continued their best start to a Bundesliga season.
Animated: Bayern coach Pep Guardiola during the match at the BayArena
Pace race: Leverkusen's Lars Bender (left) tries to prevent Franck Ribery from breaking into the box
Head and shoulders: Thomas Muller (top) climbs above Emir Spahic
Earlier, Dortmund were left to rue a succession of chances as they lost 2-0 to Gladbach. Germany international Max Kruse converted a penalty with nine minutes remaining after Dortmund defender Mats Hummels was sent off. Raffael landed the killer blow with four minutes left to push Dortmund down to second place.'We had enough situations to decide the game for us and we did not do it,' Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp told reporters. 'We have to live with that.
Dejected: Disappointed Dortmund players at the final whistle after their 2-0 loss at Borussia Monchengladbach
On target: Dortmund's two goalscorers were Max Kruse (left) and Raffael
'As long as the opponent is not beaten they have a chance and we did not knock them down. We hit them, they swayed but we did not deliver the crucial punch and then we conceded two goals.' Dortmund were without the injured Nuri Sahin and Sven Bender, but they created enough chances to win several games and twice hit the woodwork. Hummels was left alone in the boy early on, but he fired straight at goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Kevin Grosskreutz also had a fearsome effort saved. But in an unexpected turn of events, Hummels brought down Havard Nordtveid for a penalty and Kruse made no mistake. As Dortmund committed men forward, Gladbach countered and Raffael slotted in on the right.
Bad day: Jurgen Klopp couldn't believe his misfortune after the loss, which knocked Dortmund off the top of the table
Tangle: Monchengladbach's Max Kruse and Dortmund's Koray Gunter fall over each other for the ball
Eintracht Braunschweig stunned the VW-Arena with their first win of the season coming in the home of their local rivals Wolfsburg. Karim Bellarabi and Domi Kumbela earned Braunschweig the sweetest of victories with a 2-0 win just 14 miles away from their own home and with a sizeable support their to witness a historic moment in the club's history as they moved off the bottom of the table.
Historic win: Eintracht Braunschweig recorded their first win in the Bundesliga for 28 years. Here, Karim Bellarabi celebrates his goal with the travelling fans at Wolfsburg
An Adam Szalai brace and Kevin-Prince Boateng's third goal since joining Schalke this summer enabled the Royal Blues to transfer their Champions League form onto the Bundesliga stage with a 4-1 win over 10-man Augsburg. Sascha Molders gave the visitors the lead in the 10th minute, but as soon as they lost Ragnar Klavan to a red card six minutes later there was only going to be one winner at the Veltins Arena. Boateng scored the penalty which followed Klavan's dismissal before Hungarian forward Szalai struck twice and young Max Meyer completed the rout with his first Bundesliga goal.
Cheer: Schalke's Max Meyer (right) celebrates with teammate Adam Szalai after netting in his team's 4-1 win over Augsburg
Predator: Szalai (left) slots home past Augsburg goalkeeper Alex Manninger to give his team a 2-1 lead
On target: Kevin-Prince Boateng scores for Schalke
Yunus Malli's last-gasp goal earned Mainz a point and ended their four-game losing streak in dramatic circumstances against Hoffenheim.The writing appeared to be on the wall yet again for Mainz when they fell two goals behind within 22 minutes, Kevin Volland and Roberto Firmino both netting their fifth goals of the season. However, substitute Eric Choupo-Moting pulled a goal back and a stroke of luck at just the right moment, with the ball hitting Malli and going in, earned Mainz a 2-2 draw.
All square: Mainz players (from left) Maxim Choupo-Moting, Nikolce Noveski, Yunus Malli and Niki Zimling mark the 2-2 draw with Hoffenheim
Stuttgart remained unbeaten under the guidance of Thomas Schneider, but missed the chance to move up to fourth after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Werder Bremen. Martin Harnik scored against his former club in the sixth minute to give Stuttgart a familiar lead since Schneider took charge, but Nils Petersen levelled against the run of play for the visitors before the break.
By Andrew Wychrij142
Oct 6, 2013 10:51:00 AM
The Germany great believes Pep Guardiola has already begun to impose his style of play on Bayern Munich but argues the team has benefited from favourable refereeing decisions
Lothar Matthaus believes that Pep Guardiola has successfully imposed his tiki-taka brand of football on Bayern Munich this season.
The Bavarians have started the campaign strongly following the DFL-Supercup defeat to Borussia Dortmund, with the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday moving them top of the Bundesliga just a few days after an indomitable performance against Manchester City in the Champions League.
And former Bayern star Matthaus feels the 42-year-old has begun to mould the current Roten side into a similar shape and style to that of previous club Barcelona.
"I would say that it's tika-taka in Bavaria," the retired midfielder told Sky Deutschland.
"This is football as we have known it in the past from Spain. These are the innovations in the Bayern team."
Another significant shift this season has seen Philipp Lahm displaced from his accustomed position at full-back and utilised by Guardiola in midfield, an experiment Matthaus insists has been vital in the absence of Javi Martinez.
"He smells the ball," he said of Lahm.
"He realizes what the enemy is up to. It is so important for Guardiola because he is a defensive-minded player, not like [Bastian] Schweinsteiger or [Toni] Kroos."
Bayern moved a point clear of Borussia Dortmund on Saturday after their draw with Leverkusen, but Matthaus believes they have benefitted from favourable refereeing decisions along the way.
"That's a feeling you can get," the former Bulgaria coach admitted when asked if die Roten received preferential treatment from officials.
"There have been some situations this season and one can already get the idea that Bayern is preferred [by referees] in one situation or another."
The 22-year-old midfielder has been out of action since August with a persistent back problem and Michael Zorc has revealed that the player's condition is not improving
Borussia Dortmund have been rocked by the news that Ilkay Gundogan could remain out of action until the end of the year.
The midfielder has been sidelined since aggravating a back injury during Germany's friendly with Paraguay in August but had been expected to return to action last month.
However, Dortmund's medical team have confirmed that the 22-year-old is still suffering from an inflamed nerve and the club's sporting director, Michael Zorc, has admitted that they have no idea when Gundogan will be available for selection again.
"He is not making any progress at the moment," the Schwarzgelben legend is quoted as saying by Zeitung. "We do not know when he will be able to play again."
Gundogan, who has been capped eight times by Germany, has made just one appearance for Dortmund so far this season.
Pretty in pink: Sylvie van der Vaart wears eye-popping bikini as she enjoys sun, sea and poolside cocktails in Miami
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 08:49 GMT, 11 October 2013 | UPDATED: 12:05 GMT, 11 October 2013
Some women dislike showing their bodies when on holiday, but that clearly isn't the case for Dutch model Sylvie van der Vaart.The mother-of-one wore a dramatic, hot-pink bikini as she enjoyed the private pool of her hotel in downtown Miami. Keeping her cool in the intense Florida heat, she flaunted a perfectly toned figure as she enjoyed ice-cold cocktails with a friend.
Hot pink: Dutch model Sylvie van der Vaart in a pink bikni vacations in Miami Beach enjoys a swim in pool with son
The former partner of Dutch footballer Rafael van der Vaart, Sylvie is on the holiday with her seven year-old son, Damien. And, although her focus has been making sure he's having a good time, she has also been giving her beach wardrobe a work out, wearing a different piece of swim wear everyday.The latest is a halterneck style two-piece with an elongated tassle tie that falls down the back. The low-rise pants feature minute cut-out detail at the top of her thighs.
Soaking up the sun: Sylvie looked perfectly toned as she holidayed under the Florida sun
Dive in: The blonde beauty boasted a golden tan which highlighted her stunning two-piece
Keeping her cool: The model sank cocktails as she bathed in her hotel pool
Wet look: Sylvie was clearly living the dream as she made waves in her Florida hotel
Prior to that, on Monday, she opted for a tribal print, halterneck bikini, before switching to a monochrome, bandeau two-piece the following day.Clearly, Sylvie knows that switching up the style and shape of her bikini on a daily basis will leave with the least amount of tan lines; evident by her enviable bronzed skin.Sadly for her fans, she hasn't been documenting her holiday on Twitter, with her profile showing that her last tweet was sent on New Year's Eve.On that night, Sylvie was struck by Rafael after an argument, which led to their separation. A few days after the incident, the Hamburger SV player apologised in German newspaper, Bild: ‘It was very foolish of me. I’m an idiot. I’m very sorry. It should never have happened.’
Making a splash: The buxom model clearly enjoyed her time in the sea where she looked glamorous
Sandy shore: Wearing an S necklace, Sylvie was living the dream on the golden beach
Family: The wife of Dutch footballer Rafael van der Vaart is vacationing in Miami Beach with their son
Their relationship could not recover, and to add insult to injury, Rafael started dating his ex-wife's best friend Sabia Boulahrouz, who also happens to be the wife of his Hamburg teammate Khalid Boulahrouz. But proving to be the stronger woman, Sylvie had no qualms over the awkward match-up.'It's his decision,' she told Hello magazine. 'I wish them the best, right now I am focused on my son Damián. He is the most important thing for me.'
Moving on: Sylvie has proven herself to be quite the independent woman after she split with her footballer husband after he hit her on New Year's Eve
In an odd sequence of events, the Germany legend was pronounced dead by a Bavarian court, to which the 52-year-old, still alive and kicking, responded angrily
An irate Lothar Matthaus was forced to deny rumours of his death after the former Germany midfielder was extraordinarily listed as ‘deceased’ by a local court.
Court officials in Munich attempted to send documents to Matthaus regarding a legal dispute with his ex-wife, but were unable to locate the former Bayern Munich star.
And in a bizarre twist, the court deemed the lack of contact as sufficient grounds to ascertain his demise, stamping ‘deceased’ in his official court file.
The revelation, unsurprisingly, did not sit well with Matthaus, who asserted to Bild that he was, in fact, still alive and well.
“It’s an outrage! I’m alive, and everyone can see that I’m alive, whether they watch me on the pitch or on the TV,” he fumed. “If anyone wants to see where I am, this is quite simple.”
Matthaus won 150 caps for Germany during a 20-year international career, and since retiring in 2001, has held positions as both a coach and football analyst
The Germany boss is closing in on a new deal but is wary that only results can guarantee him security in the role
Joachim Low has suggested that he is close to signing a contract extension that will see him continue on as Germany coach past the 2014 World Cup.
Die Mannschaft booked their place in Brazil after a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Friday, and despite his current deal expiring after next summer's tournament, Low expects to pen a new agreement when he meets with German Football Association (DFB) officials before the end of the month.
“I will have a conversation again in the coming weeks with DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach and General Secretary Helmut Sandrock. said Low to Bild. "It may be that we have agreed [to a new contract] on October 24."
While the security of a new contract may be in the offing, Low is aware that he cannot rest on his laurels and that his longevity in the role is still down to results, pointing to the fate of Bert van Marwijk to emphasise his point.
Van Marwijk led Netherlands to Euro 2012 with an impressive qualifying record, but after losing all three group matches in Poland and Ukraine, he was forced to leave his post, and Low is aware that a similar performance from Germany in Brazil would have to result in a change of personnel.
“When you are knocked out as Holland were at the last European Championship, going home after the first round without winning, then we probably are all aware of the fact that there will have to be a change – from both my side and the officials side, as we are not naive,” he explained to the Cologne Sunday Express.
Low also hinted that there could be call-ups for Borussia Dortmund pair Roman Weidenfeller and Kevin Grosskreutz in time for Germany's friendly against Italy in Milan next month.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has never been capped for the senior national team, while Grosskreutz has not been called up since 2011, but with both players in impressive form for BVB this season, Low revealed that there was plenty of time for that to change.
“With Roman Weidenfeller, we have been looking at him for quite some time, we know about his outstanding performances, so this is definitely a consideration,” he added.
“We have already discussed Grosskreutz. If he plays at the level he has shown, against Marseille for example, it can again be an issue for us!”
Germany wrap up their qualification campaign on Tuesday when they face Sweden in Solna.
.
By Joe Wright34
Oct 12, 2013 10:02:00 AM
The 32-year-old has hit out at critics of the club's highly-paid players in their wake of their derby defeat to Eintracht Braunschweig last weekend
Wolfsburg midfielder Jan Polak has lashed out angrily at critics who suggest he and his team-mates are happy to under-perform at the club while enjoying significant wage packets.
Dieter Hecking's side have bagged just eight points from their opening nine games in the Bundesliga this season and suffered an ignominious 2-0 derby defeat at home to Eintracht Braunschweig last weekend.
Wolfsburg have been in steady decline ever since their incredible title triumph in 2009, with some suggesting the squad are happy to accept mid-table obscurity while being bankrolled by the fortunes of the Volkswagen group, but Polak has lambasted such claims.
"We always hear that we are nothing but f***ing millionaires. No, we're not," the 32-year-old is quoted as fuming by TZ.
"It's always the same: 'In Wolfsburg, players only want to earn a bit of money. Maybe they'll play a bit of football, but they'll have a lot of fun.' The stereotype annoys me massively.
"To hear these allegations again and again is not good for the head. We're not the f***ing millionaire troupe. That we lost to Brauschweig was nothing to do with money. We played badly. If we had won the derby, they would not be asking us to show our passion.
"Of course you might get a bit more money if you sign a contract here. Then you must put in performances to earn that money. You have an obligation.
"There is something special here. Everyone knows VW is in the background, so VFL brings in many good players and maybe pays them a little more. The money is offered, but it's not simply a case of taking it easy. We also have a special responsibilty."
Wolfsburg's next Bundesliga match is against Augsburg on October 20.
VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Diego was unable to prevent the Wolves from losing a friendly game in Poland
Krakow - VfL Wolfsburg succumbed to a 2-1 friendly defeat away to Polish side Wisla Krakow on Sunday.
After a goalless first half, a much-changed Wolfsburg side that neverthess still included Brazilian stars Diego and Naldo, fell behind almost immediately after the restart, but equalised in the 63rd minute through Slobodan Medojevic.
Parity did not last long, however, as Emmanuel Sarki rifled in a powerful long-range effort to hand the hosts, coached by former Jahn Regensburg supremo Franciszek Smuda, a 2-1 victory.
The Wolves lined up in their traditional green shirts away to Wisla, as this tweet from the club's official account shows:
Munich - In just eight rounds of matches in the 2013/14 Bundesliga season, a whopping 238 goals have been scored. While that averages out at an impressive 3.3 strikes per game, even more remarkable is that 40 of them - or some 16.8 per cent - have come in encounters involving 1899 Hoffenheim.
The Sinsheim outfit are seemingly making it their mission to spread the message of the German top-flight’s commitment to attractive, expressive and attacking football. Their defending may still leave something to be desired, but with goals on-tap, the club from Germany’s south west are fast becoming the league’s most entertaining side.
Shaky in defence...
A leaky defence is a malady that has afflicted Hoffenheim for a while now. Die Kraichgauer came within two games of falling into Bundesliga 2 last season, needing a relegation play-off victory over 1. FC Kaiserslautern to extend their five-year stay at the top. Many of their problems stemmed from a woeful defensive record of 67 goals conceded in just 34 games, which made theirs the least-secure backline in the league.
The problem has spilled over into this season too. Under head coach Markus Gisdol, Hoffenheim have conceded 20 times in the opening eight matches, averaging 2.5 goals a game, an increase on 2012/13’s average of 1.98 per match. However, with an average age of just 24 and having a 21-year-old goalkeeper in Koen Casteels between the posts, it is perhaps inevitable that Gisdol’s young charges will have their ups and downs.
…but breathtaking going forward
Any shortcomings in their defensive third are more than made up for at the other end, however. Gisdol’s troops may concede freely, but they have found the net just as many times, making them the second-highest scorers behind Borussia Dortmund. And at present, their front three wouldn’t look out of place wearing black and yellow.
Roberto Firmino, Kevin Volland and summer signing Anthony Modeste have been nothing short of sensational this season. Between them they have eight assists and a highly impressive 16 goals, many of which have been stunning efforts, such as this cheeky chip from Firmino against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Matchday 8.
Youthful exuberance
Modeste’s contribution of six goals in eight appearances has been remarkable considering he only arrived in the Bundesliga from FC Girondins de Bordeaux in the summer transfer window, while Volland is maturing into one of the league’s best players and a potential star for Germany in the future. And Firmino, having just turned 22, has already played 81 games in the German top-flight, establishing himself as another first-team regular.
The good news for Hoffenheim fans is that as the trio have been given license to express themselves under a coach that places an emphasis on attacking football, there is no reason why the goals, or indeed the hugely entertaining and high-scoring matches, should dry up any time soon.
Scorelines such as 2-2, 3-3, 5-1 and 6-2 are becoming regular occurrences for this team, home or away. In fact, in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena, a massive 19 goals have flown in just four games. And at €17 for a regular standing ticket, why wouldn’t you want to watch Hoffenheim on a regular basis?
The Netherlands international is facing the prospect of another spell on the sidelines after picking up another knock during training
Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has suffered a setback in his comeback from injury and could require surgery.
The 30-year-old has not featured for the Bundesliga outfit since the club's 4-0 defeat to Wolfsburg in August, when the Netherlands international sustained ligament damage in his right knee.
Head coach Jens Keller had hoped to have Huntelaar available after the international break, but a training injury this week has curtailed his progress and Schalke must now wait to see if an operation will be required to correct the issue.
"Klaas-Jan Huntelaar suffered deterioration in his right knee after a training incident on Monday," a statement on the club's official website reads.
"This resulted in the 30-year-old having an MRI examination on Tuesday. Whether the injury is treated conservatively or surgery is necessary, all parties will decide in the coming days."
Prior to his injury, the Dutchman had netted three goals in as many games for the Gelsenkirchen outfit, who sit eighth in the Bundesliga ahead of Saturday's trip to Eintracht Braunschweig.
Guardiola: Bayern players must accept my instructions or sit in the stands
By Craig Turnbull0
Oct 16, 2013 9:45:00 PM
The Bavarians' Spanish coach has been pleasantly surprised by how quickly his new side have adapted to his style and insists there is more to come if his personnel heed his words
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola believes his side will continue to improve once key players recover from injury and his squad continue to accept his managerial decisions.
The Bavarians have been without a number of first-team stars in recent weeks with Holger Badstuber, Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara all absent while Mario Gotze and Bastian Schweinsteiger have been struggling for fitness.
But Guardiola has fired a warning to other Bundesliga sides, insisting that his team can only improve on their early-season showings - if they correctly carry out his instructions.
"I am convinced that we will be even better when all the players are fit," he told the club's official magazine.
"But we will only be in the hunt for titles at the end of the season if each player accepts my decisions in this great squad.
"Otherwise, we have problems. I am a great friend of my players when they accept what I say. I support those who accept my decisions but those who do not want to understand will sit in the stands. I say again: we need all of our players."
Guardiola took over from Jupp Heynckes this season and admits that when he got the call to become Bayern coach, he made an instant decision to accept the role.
"From the first contact I had with Bayern, I knew within seconds: you have to do it," he said.
"I did not want to pass up the opportunity to work here with this great team that the club had put together in the past few years. Had I said no, I might not have been asked again."
Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga after eight games and have already demonstrated their class with fine domestic and European displays, most notably a 3-1 win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
And the Spaniard has been pleased with what he has seen from his side so far.
"It's not all that important to be top of the table in October, but it's always nice to be there," Guardiola continued.
"All that matters at the moment is that we get to grips with our playing style. It's an ongoing process and the performances against Manchester City and Leverkusen show we've already reached a decent level that we want to maintain in the coming weeks.
"I'm honestly really surprised how quickly the players have taken my ideas on board. We definitely need more time, but the level is already very, very high ... I'm happy how we're playing."
Reports in the German press claimed last season's Champions League finalists would sell the defender for €35 million next summer, but the club insists it is "nonsense"
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has dismissed suggestions that Mats Hummels will leave the Bundesliga giants for Barcelona at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.
The Germany international, 24, has long been linked with a move to the Spanish champions and a number of recent reports suggested that BVB are ready to let go of Hummels if a €35 million offer comes in.
Watzke, however, has laughed off the rumours, telling ZDF: "That is absolute nonsense.
"This is a complete non-story. There's no truth whatsoever in these rumours."
Hummels, who has made 12 appearances this season for Jurgen Klopp's side, has a contract with Dortmund until June 2017.
Bundesliga: Hoffenheim 1 Bayer Leverkusen 2
19 October 2013
Bayer Leverkusen moved top of the Bundesliga with a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim on Friday, courtesy of a controversial Stefan Kiessling goal.
Sidney Sam had put Sami Hyypia's side into a first-half lead at the Rhein-Neckar Arena before a Kiessling header ended up in the net via a hole in the side-netting, but referee Felix Brych awarded the goal.
Hoffenheim's Kevin Volland had a goal controversially ruled out for offside with the game at 1-0, and Roberto Firmino missed a penalty in the closing stages of an action-packed match.
Sven Schipplock pulled a goal back in the closing stages, but Leverkusen held out for the three points.
After a tentative opening, the match was sparked into life in the 26th minute when Sam cut in from the right-hand side and drove a left-footed shot into the corner beyond Koen Casteels.
Hoffenheim thought they had equalised when Anthony Modeste headed across goal and Volland applied the finish.
However, the celebrations were curtailed with Modeste ruled offside, although replays suggested he was well-positioned.
Leverkusen pushed to extend their lead but were largely frustrated by some dogged home defending, until a bizarre incident with 20 minutes remaining.
Kiessling rose highest to head Gonzalo Castro's header but appeared to put the ball just wide of the goal.
However, the ball crept through a gap in the netting, with Brych seemingly deceived and the goal stood.
Hoffenheim were rightly aggrieved by the incident and pushed hard to find a way back into the game.
And they had the perfect opportunity to come back into the game when they were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute.
But Firmino's effort was saved by Bernd Leno before Modeste's rebound was deflected onto the post.
Hoffenheim did find a consolation with two minutes remaining thanks to Schipplock's effort, but could not force an equaliser.
The result means Leverkusen sit at the summit of the Bundesliga standings, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund due to play on Saturday, while Hoffenheim remain 10th.
The hosts were left fuming after referee Felix Brych awarded Bayer Leverkusen a goal when the ball went through the side netting, though, the official claims he was given no help
Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen believes it is "scandalous" that Stefan Kiessling's goal was allowed to stand for Bayer Leverkusen and the club will lodge an appeal to have the game replayed.
Leverkusen left the Rhein-Neckar Arena with three points and went top of the Bundesliga following the striker's header which went through the side netting to give the visitors a 2-1 victory.
To add to Hoffenheim's woes they also had a perfectly good goal disallowed and missed a penalty but Rosen was left perplexed by referee Felix Brych's decision to award Kiessling the goal.
“I was absolutely incredulous,” he told reporters. “We immediately saw in the reaction of the Leverkusen players that it was not a goal.
“Then I went down and saw it on TV. That’s scandalous.”
The referee explained his decision after the match, Brych said: "I had a slight doubt but the reaction from the players was clear: nobody was against [the decision].
"I checked with Kiessling. But no-one, not even him said that it wasn't a goal. The ball was in the net and for everyone on the pitch it was a legitimate goal."
Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol believes the match should be replayed and the club are to lodge an appeal.
There is a precedent for this type of incident as in April 1994 the encounter between Nurnberg and Bayern Munich was forced to be played again as Thomas Helmer was given a goal despite failing to score in a match that Bayern won 2-1. The DFB association ruled the match should be replayed with Bayern winning it 5-0.
“I think we will see this game again,” Gisdol told reporters. “I hope it will be a just as good a game, but with a better end for us.
“Why should a game with Bayern Munich be replayed, but not one for Hoffenheim?”
Meanwhile the hosts' captain Andreas Beck admitted it was something he had never experienced before in his career.
He said: “Something like this has never happened to me before. I thought my eyes were playing with me. I’m excited to see what happens next and as a competitor I would of course like a replay."
Franck Ribery goes up against the Leverkusen defence (AAP file)
By Nesha Starcevic
The Bundesliga season resumes after the international break with undefeated front-runner Bayern Munich hosting struggling Mainz and Borussia Dortmund at home to Hannover. Here are five things to know ahead of the weekend.
RIBERY CHASING RECORD
Bayern Munich is undefeated in the last 38 matches Franck Ribery was in the lineup. If Ribery plays against Mainz and Bayern remains undefeated, the France winger will set a new Bundesliga record. Holger Hieronymus also remained undefeated in 38 straight games for Hamburger SV between September 1981 and January 1983. With or without Ribery, Bayern is undefeated in 33 straight games and is chasing Hamburg's 36-match run without a loss. Mainz has only one point from the last five matches and leading scorer Nicolai Mueller (six goals) twisted his ankle in training and could be doubtful.
BROKEN DORTMUND
Borussia Dortmund went down 2-0 at its namesake from Moenchengladbach before the break and the squad has so many injured players that it is anybody's guess which 11 players coach Juergen Klopp will use on Saturday. The list of injured includes Marcel Schmelzer, Sven Bender, Marco Reus, Nuri Sahin and Jonas Hofmann, in addition to long-term absentees Ilkay Gundogan, Sebastian Kehl and Lukasz Piszczek. Hannover has won only one of its last 10 matches against Dortmund and its last victory in Dortmund was more than five years ago.
FRANKFURT AND NEW COACHES
For the third time this season, Eintracht Frankfurt will be the first opposition for a club that has a new coach. Nuremberg travels to Frankfurt with interim coach Roger Prinzen still in charge as the club has not been able to find a successor for Michael Wiesinger, who was sacked before the break. Stuttgart and Hamburg also had new coaches making their debuts against Eintracht this season and both games were draws. Eintracht has yet to win at home this season and has only one win against Nuremberg in the last five home games. The return from injury of top marksman Alexander Meier could be Eintracht's trump card.
GOALS FOR AND AGAINST IN HOFFENHEIM
Hoffenheim has the second-best attack in the Bundesliga - and the worst defence. It has scored 20, second only to Dortmund's 21, but has also conceded 20, the worst record in the league.
Hoffenheim's defense is likely to come under more pressure Friday against third-place Bayer Leverkusen, but Leverkusen will also have to be on the lookout for Anthony Modeste. Hoffenheim's French striker is one of five players topping the scoring chart with six goals apiece. No other French player, not even Ribery, had such a successful start with a German club.
Modeste says he is enjoying the attacking style of Hoffenheim but knows where the problem is: "We all have to defend better and concede fewer goals," Modeste told Kicker magazine.
That must go into practice on Friday, since Leverkusen has six-goal man Sidney Sam alongside Stefan Kiessling, who has five so far this season.
SCHALKE ALSO HAS INJURY PROBLEMS
Dortmund is not the only team battling injuries. Schalke's topsy-turvy season has been made worse by frequent injuries to top players. Striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has been out for eight weeks, renewed the right-knee injury this week and is not expected to play again this year. Schalke was hoping to finally challenge for the title this season but is already nine points behind Bayern and eight points behind Dortmund and Leverkusen.
Schalke has more injury concerns as it travels to promoted Braunschweig, which has been bolstered by its first win, over Wolfsburg. Kevin-Prince Boateng is nursing a knee injury, Jefferson Farfan has a torn muscle and Schalke's attack could come down to Adam Szalai, who is recovering from a cold. The club may even bring back 35-year-old former Germany striker Gerald Asamoah, who has been playing for reserves.
Bundesliga Wrap: Bayern maintain unbeaten run, Hertha dig deep
20 October 2013
Leaders Bayern Munich had to work hard to extend their long unbeaten Bundesliga run with a 4-1 win over Mainz on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Mario Gotze provided assists for Arjen Robben and Mario Mandzukic, while Thomas Muller netted twice to leave Bayern just two games away from equalling the Bundesliga's longest unbeaten run of 36 games, held by Hamburg.
The four goals came after Shawn Parker had given Mainz an unexpected lead on the stroke of half-time.
The victory keeps Pep Guardiola's side one point ahead of closest rivals Borussia Dortmund, who picked up a narrow 1-0 home victory over Hannover.
Marco Reus put Jurgen Klopp's men ahead from the penalty spot in the fourth minute after full-back Erik Durm was felled by Hiroki Sakai, while an excellent goalkeeping display from Ron-Robert Zieler kept them at bay for the remainder of the match.
Elsewhere, Adrian Ramos scored the only goal as Hertha Berlin maintained their bid to keep pace with the top three in a 1-0 triumph over 10-man Borussia Monchengladbach.
The visitors' cause was not helped when they had Martin Stranzl dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Meanwhile, Schalke recovered from being behind twice to record a 3-2 win at Eintracht Braunschweig, with Roman Neustadter netting in injury time to seal all three points.
Swiss international Josip Drmic scored a late equaliser for Nuremberg to deny Eintracht Frankfurt maximum points in a 1-1 draw at the Commerzbank-Arena, while Werder Bremen failed to take advantage of their lowly opponents as they drew 0-0 with struggling Freiburg.
Bundesliga Wrap: Hamburg, Stuttgart share spoils after six-goal epic
21 October 2013
Hamburg and Stuttgart shared the spoils after an action-packed six-goal thriller at the Imtech Arena on Sunday.
Bert van Marwijk's men had won just once at home in the Bundesliga all season going into the game and that run looked set to be extended when Alexandru Maxim put Stuttgart ahead within three minutes.
However, Hertha Berlin loanee Pierre-Michel Lasogga levelled the scores19 minutes later, only for Christian Gentner to head the visitors back in front prior the break.
After the interval, the goals continued to flow with Hamburg substitute Maximilian Beister equalising for a second time before Johan Djourou's own goal put Stuttgart back on top.
However, Rafael van der Vaart proved Hamburg's hero, securing a point for his side after 67 minutes finishing Beister's pass.
After Antonio Rudiger was shown a straight red card for for a foul on the Netherlands international, Hamburg pressed but were unable to find the winner.
Luiz Gustavo's first goal for Wolfsburg sealed a 2-1 win over Augsburg, although Dieter Hecking's side had to come from behind to win.
Tobias Werner put the home side ahead after 10 minutes only for 19-year-old striker Maximilian Arnold to level matters 10 minutes from the break with his first goal of the season.
The final goal of the game came seven minutes later courtesy of former Bayern Munich midfielder Gustavo.
Coincidentally, the goal was his first in the league since Bayern beat Augsburg 3-0 in May.
Hoffenheim have lodged an appeal with the German Football Federation (DFB) over the phantom goal in their 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
The Bundesliga club have requested the DFB sanction a replay after Stefan Kiessling's 70th-minute header was given as a goal, despite the ball going wide and ending up in the back of the net due to a hole in the side-netting.
The goal was awarded despite protests at the time and it ensured Leverkusen took all three points on Friday.
Hoffenheim have announced an appeal has been sent to the authorities asking for the game to be played again after considering their options.
"The TSG (Hoffenheim) has formally submitted an appeal against the validity of the home match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen (1-2) to the German Football Association (DFB)," read a statement on the club's official website.
"(The) objective of the communicated deadline via mail and fax lawyer's letter is to bring to the positing of a repeated game.
"The decision will make the responsible DFB arbitration."
A decision by the DFB is reported to be expected within two weeks.
By Alex Fisher1
20 Oct 2013 16:49:00
The midfielder has been out of action since his side's Uefa Super Cup triumph over Chelsea but now has first-team football in his sights
Javi Martinez has handed Bayern Munich a boost by making a return to training after recovering from a groin injury.
The Spaniard underwent surgery on the problem seven weeks ago and has made a quick recovery to strengthen the options available to Pep Guardiola.
Martinez has not featured for Bayern since their Uefa Super Cup triumph over Chelsea in August, missing five league games and their opening two Champions League group stage matches.
Wednesday's Group D clash with Viktoria Plzen may come too quickly for the 25-year-old, but he hopes to be involved as soon as possible.
"I enjoyed it (training)," he told the club's official website. "I am finally back on the pitch.
"Now I hope to help the team as soon as possible in games again.
"But I need a little patience and a lot of training."
In Martinez's absence, Bayern have remained unbeaten with seven wins and one draw in all competitions.
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