Matchday 3: Bayern v. Mainz

Before I get into today's match post, I'd just like to share my least favorite German phrase with everyone: Robben verletzt. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Arjen Robben has once again been returned to Bayern injured after international duty. I know we've all mentioned our dislike of international duty, but here, I want to point out something. Last year, under Heynckes and Bert (whose last name I'm too lazy to Google) who was Dutch NT coach (and MvB's father-in-law), Robben wasn't injured. Yes, he still managed to catch the flu, but he didn't break any of his precious glass bones or tear any of his tissue paper-thin ligaments. But you know who the new Dutch coach is? LvG. Under whom, at Bayern, Robben was repeatedly injured. I'm just saying...can we maybe stop loaning him until they sack LvG? We all know it'll happen sooner or later and I'd prefer Robben stay in his bubble wrap until after that. Also, Ribery picked up a knock. NO MORE INTERNATIONAL DUTY INTERFERING WITH BAYERN MATCHES!

Okay, not that we've gotten that out of the way, let's look at today's match against Mainz. We'll (hopefully) have a first-hand account for you later, as one of our FC Hollywood team was actually at the match,  but until then, the highlights:

-Mario Mandzukic getting things started in the 2nd minute. Nice goal, nice assist from Thomas.
-Bastian Schweinsteiger giving me the best 30th birthday present I could ask for: a goal and a win.
-At this point, I start wondering if Bayern read my wish list for the match. I forgot that for about 25 minutes when Mainz had far too much possession and seemed like they might get back in it (note to Dante: please to not be giving away penalties. We like our GD nice and high).
-And then, because it's my birthday, Toni Kroos felt the need to keep up with Basti and give me a goal and cement the win.

Other than the goals, for me, the highlight was watching Thomas Muller play, well, like Thomas Muller. It's clear he's decided to work his butt off and fight for a spot in the Starting XI and it's awesome to see him back with such energy and creativity. It didn't always work, but he was all over the place today, creating chances, and taking chances. And an honorable mention to Shaqiri, who I'm starting to think is part cheetah. He's REALLY fast.

But, all in all, not a bad showing. Unless Eintracht Frankfurt wins and scores more than 5 goals tomorrow, we're still top of the table. Here's your leaderboard as it stands with two matches left of matchday three: