James Rodríguez made a stunning full debut for Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga champions returned to top spot for at least 24 hours with a 3-0 win at Schalke, while there was a change of leadership in Serie A, too, though Internazionale will be far less happy with only drawing 1-1 at Bologna, surrendering their 100% record.
For Bayern, Rodríguez scored one goal and had a hand in both the others as his side continued to ease the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach came under fire after a recent loss at Hoffenheim but Tuesday’s result means Bayern have responded by scoring 10 goals without reply in their last three games.
Rodríguez was involved in the incident which saw the Schalke defender Naldo penalised for handling in the box in the 25th minute, with Robert Lewandowski converting the spot-kick. The Colombian, who is on a two-year loan from Real Madrid, doubled Bayern’s lead four minutes later when he slid home at the near post and he played a significant part in making the game safe 15 minutes from time, lofting a delightful ball into the box from the inside-right channel which was met by Arturo Vidal with a superb volley past Ralf Fährmann.
Elsewhere in Germany, RB Leipzig’s difficult start continued as an early goal from Michael Gregoritsch gave improving Augsburg a 1-0 win at the WWK Arena. Gregoritsch struck with just four minutes on the clock and had a great chance to double his side’s advantage before he was replaced by the South Korean Koo Ja-cheol at half-time.
The Brazilian Raffael scored twice as Borussia Mönchengladbach ended a two-game winless run to beat Stuttgart 2-0. The home side dominated the first half but lacked attacking flair and had to settle for going in goalless at the break. But Raffael finally broke the deadlock just before the hour-mark then fired a 74th-minute penalty past Ron-Robert Zieler to complete his side’s win.
Werder Bremen grabbed only their second point of the season as a second-half goal from Fin Bartels earned his side a 1-1 draw at Wolfsburg. Divock Origi, on loan from Liverpool, put Wolfsburg in front after 28 minutes when he stretched to meet a Paul-Georges Ntep cross from the left and prodded home. But Bremen fought back and Bartels scored a rare headed goal in the 56th minute to nudge them further away from the bottom of the table.
In Italy, meanwhile, Inter appeared far from title contenders in a 1-1 draw at Bologna that saw the Nerazzurri drop their first points in Serie A. Having won their opening four matches there had been growing talk that a remodelled side could challenge the six-time defending champions, Juventus, and Napoli for the Italian league title. But Bologna dominated the first half, bringing back memories of Inter’s tumultuous 2016-17 campaign when the club struggled through four managerial changes, and only a late penalty from Mauro Icardi prevented a loss for the visitors.
Simone Verdi put the home side ahead shortly after the half-hour mark, picking up the ball in midfield before scoring with a powerful shot from outside the area. Icardi’s penalty in the 75th followed a foul on Eder that was confirmed by the video assistant referee.
“We know we need to improve,” Eder said. “But if you can’t win, the important thing is not to lose. We’ve got to focus on our goal, which is third or fourth place and a Champions League spot.”
Despite the result, Inter still moved into top spot in Serie A, one point above Napoli and Juventus, who both play on Wednesday looking to extend their perfect records. Napoli visit a Lazio side who have also had a strong start and Juventus host Fiorentina.
SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS posted by CAMPUS94
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