Other Happenings to Care About | March 22-23, 2014

Both Revier clubs scored triplets of goals against their opponents, squashing the hopes of Bayern München sealing the title this weekend. Leon Goretzka's early goal set the tone for Schalke 04 against Eintracht Braunschweig, while Borussia Dortmund collected an impressive road victory against Hannover 96 in Marco Reus's return. Regardless, a win at midweek in the German capital will secure the Bundesliga unconditionally.

Earliest Championship Date: March 25 vs. Hertha BSC

Bundesliga: Hertha Berliner SC

Borussia Mönchengaldbach (3-0) Hertha Berliner SC

1-0 Juan Arango (28')
2-0 Max Kruse (32')
3-0 Raffael (40')

One should not fault Hertha BSC for allowing all three of Mönchengladbach's top scorers to find the back of the net, especially the form that those players are in. Not getting getting the attack going is a problem. With the Fohlen constantly pushing forward, Berlin could not get the ball into menacing positions, thus limiting their chances. Adrian Ramos's form has dipped the past two weeks, not a good sign for the focal point of Hertha Berlin's rise from the second division.

UEFA Champions League: Manchester United

West Ham United (0-2) Manchester United

0-1 Wayne Rooney (8')
0-2 Wayne Rooney (33')

With sights firmly placed on the Manchester Derby, manager David Moyes explored his squad depth, fielding a fascinating formation against the Hammers. With Robin van Persie ruled out for four to six weeks, Wayne Rooney shouldered the attacking load as the center forward, including a stellar strike from the halfway line. A team struggling heavily with form will have the ultimate test on Tuesday, attempting to silence the "noisy neighbors" in its quest to remain relevant on the English landscape.

DFB-Pokal: 1. FC Kaiserslautern

TSV 1860 München (0-1) 1. FC Kaiserslautern

0-1 Marcel Gaus (55')

The Rote Teufel relied on the individual skill of Marcel Gaus to get the three points against 1860 München. With Karim Matmour off the team sheet, Gaus provided most of the support from the flanks, although Kaiserslautern did not do the best job keeping the ball. While able to restore some form in Allianz Arena, they will be hard pressed to repeat the result in their April return.

Players of Interest

Robet Lewandowski scored for the first time since his return from a knee injury, redirecting a ball in from Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the second half. His yellow card against Zenit St. Petersburg will keep him out of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal against Real Madrid... Still in rehab training after his syndesmosis tear in January, Jan Kirchhoff might be needed sooner rather than later with the news that Benedikt Höwedes strained his left adductor against Real Madrid at midweek...