Matchday 8
Times in Central European Time.
- Friday 30 October
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SV 07 Elversberg – 1. FSV Mainz 05
The first half carries most of the interest; after the break it drifts, with plenty of passing but little bite. A hectic stoppage time adds a brief jolt.
3 out of 10, Skip it - Saturday 31 October
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen – VfB Stuttgart
Fast, open and increasingly heated, with a first half full of transitions, woodwork and a melee. The goalmouth action keeps coming well into the second half.
7 out of 10, Worth it -
FC Augsburg – SC Freiburg
An intense, physical contest in a full stadium where every duel is fought for. Fairly even for long stretches, and the tension holds into the final minutes.
6 out of 10, If you have time -
Borussia Mönchengladbach – SC Paderborn 07
A lively first half with chances at both ends, a VAR check and busy goalkeepers around the break. The second half is cagier but stays tense to the last kick.
5 out of 10, If you have time -
SV Werder Bremen – TSG Hoffenheim
A cagey first half with plenty of shots but little real danger. The second half opens up somewhat, though clear-cut chances stay scarce.
4 out of 10, If you have time -
FC Schalke 04 – RB Leipzig
A frantic, physical opening in a packed arena, then the match gradually fades. The opening phase is the part worth seeing.
3 out of 10, Skip it -
FC Bayern München – Borussia Dortmund
A big-match atmosphere and a game that never lets up: woodwork, a VAR call and an end-to-end second half. Stay for the finale, which runs deep into stoppage time.
9 out of 10, Must watch - Sunday 1 November
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1. FC Union Berlin – 1. FC Köln
Fierce and physical with a steady stream of fouls, but clear chances are rare for most of the afternoon. Only the last stretch gets a little livelier.
3 out of 10, Skip it -
Eintracht Frankfurt – Hamburger SV
An end-to-end first half that gets going early, and the pace carries on after the break. Woodwork, a VAR check and a lively finish keep it watchable throughout.
6 out of 10, If you have time