Bundesliga Matchday 28: as it happened
The Bundesliga roared back after the international break with a spectacular Matchday 28. See how the action unfolded in our live blog...
Matchday 28: 1-3 April, 2016
20:00 - Auf Wiedersehen!
Thanks for joining us for another thrilling Bundesliga Matchday. We'll be back on Monday with live updates ahead of FC Bayern's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg with SL Benfica...join us then, but for now, check out the best pics of Matchday 28 with our gallery - CLICK HERE!
20:00 - Matchday 28 match report central
Borussia Dortmund 3-2 SV Werder Bremen - match report
FC Bayern München 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt - match report
SV Darmstadt 98 2-2 VfB Stuttgart - match report
Hannover 96 0-3 Hamburger SV - match report
FC Ingolstadt 04 3-0 FC Schalke 04 - match report
1. FSV Mainz 05 4-2 FC Augsburg - match report
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-0 VfL Wolfsburg - match report
Borussia Mönchengladbach 5-0 Hertha Berlin - match report
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 1-1 1. FC Köln - match report
19:56 - Julian Nagelsmann, Hoffenheim coach...
"I'm happy with the point, not with the performance."
19:35 - Where is your team now?
Take a look at the latest Bundesliga table -
19:25 - Köln crushed by late equaliser...
FULL-TIME: 90+2' HOFFENHEIM 1-1 KÖLN
There goes the final whistle...how valuable will that point be for Hoffenheim. That takes them out of the bottom three, but they're only a point clear of the relegation play-off place.
GOAL: 90+1' HOFFENHEIM 1-1 KÖLN
Kramaric skips down the right, evading a couple of challenges...cuts inside...his cross is palmed away by Horn...but Volland lunges in at the back post and steers the ball into the net to level. Cue mayhem in the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar Arena!
CHANCE: 77' HOFFENHEIM 0-1 KÖLN
Kevin Volland is single-handedly trying to get the hosts back in this game, but once again sees an effort go agonizingly wide of the target. Can the German international save his side’s bacon?
GOAL: 69' HOFFENHEIM 0-1 KÖLN
The visiting fans on their feet as Simon Zoller slots home first-time from Jonas Hector to give Köln the lead!
CHANCE: 67' HOFFENHEIM 0-0 KÖLN
Brilliant run from Hoffenheim substitute Eduardo Vargas to find Kevin Volland. He lets rip from 18 yards, but his goal-bound rocket deflects just wide.
18:50 - 'A very theoretical possibility of staying up'
Hannover 96's sporting director, Martin Bader, on the reasons why the rock-bottom Reds have parted ways with head coach Thomas Schaaf right here.
18:45 - Kagawa the centurion
Here's a man who knows how to score: Shinji Kagawa. The Japan international midfielder came off the bench to net his 32nd Bundesliga goal on his 100th appearance in Germany's top flight as BVB turned the tables on Bremen yesterday.
CHANCE: 52' HOFFENHEIM 0-0 KÖLN
Hoffenheim forward Mark Uth with an effort on goal, but it's meat and drink for Timo Horn.
SECOND HALF: 46' HOFFENHEIM 0-0 KÖLN
All to play for. Who wants it most?
HALF-TIME: 45' HOFFENHEIM 0-0 KÖLN
Hoffenheim moving out of the bottom three at this rate, but head coach Julian Nagelsmann will feel his side can do better.
18:15 - Like the Foals that got the cream
HUGE CHANCE: 37' HOFFENHEIM 0-0 KÖLN
Köln's Modeste misses a sitter, sending an effort past the post with just Baumann to beat.
18:00 - BREAKING NEWS!
Thomas Schaaf has been relieved of his duties as Hannover 96 head coach, with Under-19s boss Daniel Stendl taking charge until the end of the season. The Reds are ten points adrift at the bottom of the table, with six games remaining.
Match report: Gladbach 5-0 Hertha
17:55 - Gladbach run riot
In case you missed it earlier, Borussia Mönchengladbach moved up to fourth after putting five past Hertha Berlin in their most convincing performance of the year.
17:50 - All systems Götze
Mario Götze enjoyed another encouraging display following a lengthy absence in Bayern's 1-0 win over Frankfurt yesterday. Click here for more reaction from the bowels of the Allianz Arena.
SAVE: 13' HOFFENHEIM 0-0 KÖLN
Volland feeds Kramaric, but Köln stopper Timo Horn gets down well to direct the Croat's effort away from goal.
17:42 - Oh, Rune!
KICK-OFF! 1' HOFFENHEIM 0-0 KÖLN
Under way in Sinsheim. Can Hoffenheim pull clear of the bottom three?
The grand finale
Grab a Bovril, grab a Weißbier, but be quick! Hoffenheim vs Köln is coming right up!
FULL TIME! GLADBACH 5-0 HERTHA
Utterly dominant form the Foals, who well and truly kick the Old Lady into touch. Schubert's men up to fourth and to within three points of third-placed Hertha.
GOAL: 85' GLADBACH 5-0 HERTHA
Ibrahima Traore's shot from a tight angle slips underneath Jarstein and Gladbach are running riot.
GOAL: 80' GLADBACH 4-0 HERTHA
Dahoud wins the ball on the halfway line, slips it through to Hazard...he wrongfoots two Hertha defenders...his shot ricochets off Lustenberger and then off a post and into the net.
GOAL: 76' GLADBACH 3-0 HERTHA
Johnson sends Herrmann racing forward...his cross is picked up by Hazard on the far side...he’s allowed to shoot, Jarstein parries, but Herrmann is on hand to smash the ball into the net from close range and surely wrap up the win for the hosts.
STAT 74' GLADBACH 2-0 HERTHA
Despite making just nine appearances because of injury in 2015/16, Gladbach's Andre Hahn has already scored as many goals as he managed in 23 Bundesliga outings last term (three).
SAVE: 61' GLADBACH 2-0 HERTHA
The ball breaks kindly for Fabian Johnson inside the Hertha box...he sends his shot back across Jarstein, who gets down brilliantly to his right to push the ball aside.
GOAL: 60' GLADBACH 2-0 HERTHA
Wendt plays a ball across the face of goal...Johnson touches it back...Hahn has to back track...but turns and fires high into the far corner...his third of the season, and some welcome breathing space for the hosts.
CHANCE: 49' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
Hahn is just unable to reach a cross, but manages to retain possession...touches it back for Wendt, who smashes his shot well over the crossbar. He had time to take a touch...
16:40 - Hoffenheim starting line-up
SECOND HALF: 46' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
Can Hertha turn it around? Tweet us: @Bundesliga_EN
16:35 - Köln starting line-up
16:25 - STAT ATTACK
16:20 - HAZARD-OUS
Gladbach's Thorgan Hazard has scored three goals this season, two of which have now come against Hertha. The Belgian forward also netted his first Bundesliga goal against the capital club last term.
HALF-TIME: 45' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
The hosts ahead by one, but looking comfortable. Hertha need to regroup at the break - they have not been a threat going forward.
CHANCE: 42' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
Plattenhardt’s quickly-taken free-kick backfires and the ball drops for Stindl...he finds Hazard to his left...SHOOTS! Jarstein’s touch takes it wide of the far post.
LATEST: 39' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
The visitors are really toiling...Pal Dardai’s men have created precious little going forward.
16:05 - IN GOOD COMPANY
Leverkusen look like they're going to have a big say in who makes the final top four. Javier Hernandez and Co. were too good for Wolfsburg, and still have to face Hertha and Gladbach.
LATEST: 30' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
Half-an-hour gone, and the hosts are looking comfortable...this scoreline would take them into fourth, three points and a single place in the table behind Hertha.
CHANCE: 25' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
A Gladbach clearance drops to Darida on the edge of the box – the Czech Republic international helps the ball goalwards, Ibisevic gets a touch, but it goes straight into Sommer’s arms.
CHANCE: 23' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
Hazard with the corner from the left...great delivery...Christensen misses it at the near post, Xhaka gets a touch...and it goes wide of the far post.
LATEST: 20' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
What a huge goal that could be in the context of the top four. Hertha will stay third whatever the result, but Gladbach going fourth at this rate. Bayern and Dortmund have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League, remember.
Dortmund's Aubameyang: Klopp made me a striker
GOAL: 14' GLADBACH 1-0 HERTHA
Hertha goalkeeper Jarstein’s poor clearance is easily intercepted by Dahoud, he plays in Hazard, who slots home coolly to put the hosts ahead. That’s a big goal for the Foals.
LATEST: 10' GLADBACH 0-0 HERTHA
Timely interception from Elvedi to take that one off the toe of Darida, who’d burst into the box and was shaping to shoot.
LATEST: 7' GLADBACH 0-0 HERTHA
The two contenders for a top-four finish just feeling each other out in the opening exchanges...there is a lot at stake in this one for both teams.
KICK OFF: 1' GLADBACH 0-0 HERTHA
We’re underway at an electric BORUSSIA-PARK.
15:25 - Full house!
Some atmosphere at BORUSSIA-PARK - typical Bundesliga fare. You can follow the game right here, on Bundesliga radio or live on TV.
14:50 - Hertha starting line-up
14:40 - Hertha in the house!
14:30 - Gladbach starting line-up
Read: Vidal on fire for Chile
14:20 - Vidal signs
There's just no let-up for Bayern's resident Chile international midfielder Arturo Vidal. Here he is hard at work on the training ground following a jam-packed week at home and abroad.
Translation: Today's training session. Let's go for more!
14:10 - Behind the scenes
While we await confirmation of the starting line-ups, here's a sneak peak inside the away dressing room at BORUSSIA-PARK. Hertha have won only one of their last four on the road, incidentally.
14:05 - Gimme an H, gimme an E...
Hertha defender John Anthony Brooks assumes cheerleader-in-chief duties today, after picking up a knee injury on international duty with the USMNT.
13:45 - Dortmund into Champions League
Just a reminder that Dortmund are now guaranteed a place in the group stage of next season's UEFA Champions League. BVB, who can no longer finish lower than third, follow Bayern into European football's elite club competition, but who will join them? Tweet us: @Bundesliga_EN.
13:35 - Destination Sinsheim
Anticipation is building ahead of this evening's game between Hoffenheim and Köln at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
13:15 - Pizarro injury update
Claudio Pizarro is hoping to be fit for Bremen's relegation six-pointer with Augsburg after missing out in Dortmund.
13:10 - The sun has got his hat on in Mönchengladbach
Match report: Dortmund 3-2 Bremen
12:55 - A black-yellow brick in the wall
This Dortmund fan was put through the emotional wringer at the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK yesterday, but it was well worth it in the end after BVB hit back from 2-1 down to beat Bremen 3-2. We always love to hear about your Bundesliga experiences. Tweet us: @Bundesliga_EN.
12:40 - Full steam ahead
After edging past Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Bayern's attentions have turned to Tuesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg with SL Benfica.
12:20 - Global spectacle
After defeats for Hannover, Frankfurt and Augsburg, Hoffenheim can do themselves a huge favour against Köln in Matchday 28's closing fixture. A draw would take them above Augsburg into 15th, while a win would see Julian Nagelsmann's charges end the weekend in 13th - it really is that close! Here's a reminder of where you can watch the game:
12:00 - Flashback
Check out this gem of a snap showing current Hertha boss Pal Dardai being shown a clean pair of heels by a fresh-faced Alexander Baumjohann back when the Hertha midfielder was on the books at Gladbach. The little whippersnapper!
Rewind: Hertha 1-4 Gladbach
11:55 - Top-four objective
Schalke's surprise 3-0 defeat to Ingolstadt means Gladbach could go fourth with victory over third-placed Hertha this afternoon. The Foals thumped the capital club 4-1 earlier in the campaign.
Key battles: Gladbach vs Hertha
Aubameyang: 'Klopp made me a striker'
11:45 - Welcome back to goal central!
The goals have been flying in so far this weekend, with Bundesliga mega stars Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both on target for Leverkusen and Dortmund respectively. 25 goals and counting: can third-placed Hertha, top-four hopefuls Gladbach, relegation-threatened Hoffenheim and well-oiled Köln keep up with the trend? Stay tuned to find out!
Read: Hernandez rekindles Bayer's top-four interest
Saturday, 2 April
21:50 - That's all from the Bundesliga for Saturday
But be sure to join us again on Sunday. Two more mouth-watering games are on the agenda with implications at both ends of the table. Until then, auf Wiedersehen!
21:49 - Saturday 2 April match reports
Borussia Dortmund 3-2 SV Werder Bremen - match report
FC Bayern München 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt - match report
SV Darmstadt 98 2-2 VfB Stuttgart - match report
Hannover 96 0-3 Hamburger SV - match report
FC Ingolstadt 04 3-0 FC Schalke 04 - match report
1. FSV Mainz 05 4-2 FC Augsburg - match report
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-0 VfL Wolfsburg - match report
21:45 - Kagawa milestone
21:38 - Jannik Vestergaard, Bremen defender, on his side's 3-2 defeat in Dortmund after leading 2-1
21:36 - This is how you celebrate a goal in Dortmund...
21:34 - Game-changer Ramos
Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for match-winner Adrian Ramos in his post-match press conference, saying: "Adrian did himself a favour today. He's scored a goal, and the fans' chants speak for themselves."
20:57 - Alaba hails Kaiser Franck
20:35 - The race to the top...and the bottom
FULL-TIME: Dortmund 3-2 Bremen
A wave of relief sweeps round the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK as the crowd's whistles are matched by the referee's final whistle...Ramos is the hero, Dortmund are five points behind again...but that was a close-run thing.
GOAL: 82' Dortmund 3-2 Bremen
Ramos heads home just a minute after coming off the bench...the Colombia international didn't even have to jump to meet that corner from the right, and SIGNAL IDUNA PARK explodes with joy and relief.
GOAL: 77' DORTMUND 2-2 BREMEN
Three minutes after coming off the bench, Shinji Kagawa - on his 100th Bundesliga appearance - surges into the box to finish from close range and equalise.
GOAL: 74' Dortmund 1-2 Bremen
Great persistence down the right by Öztunali...cuts it back for Junuzovic...Bürki gets fingers to it but can't keep it out and - suddenly - Bremen are in the lead.
GOAL: 69' Dortmund 1-1 Bremen
Galvez's low shot takes a touch off Gonzalo Castro and Bremen are level...that goal being celebrated in Bremen and - no doubt - at Bayern.
GOAL: 53' Dortmund 1-0 Bremen
Aubameyang chips Wiedwald...lovely finish for his 23rd of the season...Dortmund ahead.
HALF-TIME: 45' Dortmund 0-0 Bremen
Goalless at the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, but the fact Bremen 'keeper Felix Wiedwald has been the star performer tells its own story.
CHANCE: 44' Dortmund 0-0 Bremen
Aubameyang attempts an overhead kick...straight at Wiedwald...either side of the Bremen goalkeeper and that would have been the lead, surely.
19:13 - The men who starred for Mainz today
18:59 - You could be there...
LATEST: 17' Dortmund 0-0 Bremen
Aubameyang fires goalwards from outside the box, but Wiedwald is there again.
LATEST: 15' Dortmund 0-0 Bremen
Going the wrong way, Wiedwald sticks out a hand to deny Durm...brilliant save
18:40 - Top scorers gallery
Sandro Wagner has added to his tally among the Bundesliga's leading scorers this season...and he's in esteemed company. CHECK IT OUT HERE
18:32 Take a look at the table
KICK-OFF: 1' Underway in Dortmund
18:26 - Gongs for the boys
After keeping a clean sheet - his 150th in the Bundesliga - Manuel Neuer was presented with the IFFHS World Goalkeeper of the Year award while Robert Lewandowski was honoured as 2015's leading goalscorer globally.
18:24 - Schalke despondent
18:23 - Pep's press conference
18:06 - Match report central
Take your pick of the match reports from the Matchday 28 games so far...
FC Bayern München 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt - match report
SV Darmstadt 98 2-2 VfB Stuttgart - match report
Hannover 96 0-3 Hamburger SV - match report
FC Ingolstadt 04 3-0 FC Schalke 04 - match report
1. FSV Mainz 05 4-2 FC Augsburg - match report
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-0 VfL Wolfsburg - match report
17:56 - Dortmund vs. Bremen line-ups
17:53 - Bremen taking the temperature in Dortmund
17:42 - READ: Match report - Ribery stunner ups pressure on Dortmund
17:23 STAY WITH US...
We'll have post-match reaction from the early games, and the build-up to Dortmund vs. Bremen.
FULL-TIME
It's all over around Germany - Bayern win to go eight clear ahead of Dortmund's game later, Frankfurt, Augsburg remain in trouble, Hannover are really struggling now. Darmstadt's point means they aren't out of the woods yet.
LATEST: 77' Bayern 1-0 Frankfurt
Still just that Ribery stunner between the two sides at the Allianz Arena...
GOAL: 75' Mainz 4-2 Augsburg
Surely no way back now for the visitors as Clemens slots home his second.
GOAL: 75' Hannover 0-3 Hamburg
It's game over in Hanover with Nicolai Müller breaking clear and finishing nicely.
GOAL: 73' Hannover 0-2 Hamburg
Schipplock escapes down the right and crosses for Illicevic, who tucks it away first time to give Hamburg breathing space.
GOAL: 65’ Ingolstadt 3-0 Schalke
Ingolstadt running riot against Schalke as Paraguay international Dario Lezcano pounces on a mistake by Roman Neustädter to put Die Schanzer 3-0 up!
MAN OF THE MOMENT: Pablo De Blasis (Mainz)
The Mainz midfielder has struck twice to help his side into a 3-2 lead at home to Augsburg...can they hold on to it?
GOAL: 60' Hannover 0-1 Hamburg
Aaron Hunt bends in a corner from the left and Cleber gets in front of his man at the near post to head home powerfully.
GOAL: 53' Mainz 3-2 Augsburg
Wonderful header by De Blasis, back across Hitz and into the far corner to put Mainz in front.
WOODWORK: 51' Bayern 1-0 Frankfurt
Xabi Alonso sends a free-kick arrowing goalwards...the ball finds the bar with Hradecky beaten...lovely strike.
GOAL: 51' Darmstadt 2-2 Stuttgart
Niemeyer rises highest to meet a free-kick and glances the ball into the net to level.
SECOND HALF KICKS OFF
Underway again all around Germany
HALF-TIME
Time for a breather...what a flurry of goals this afternoon already. Stay tuned for more in the second 45.
GOAL: 45+3' Darmstadt 1-2 Stuttgart
Late drama as Lukas Rupp strikes in the dying seconds of the first half to turn the game on its head...
GOAL: 45+1' Ingolstadt 2-0 Schalke
Lukas Hinterseer with his fifth goal in as many games following a slick Ingolstadt move on the stroke of half-time!
GOAL: 45' Darmstadt 1-1 Stuttgart
Gentner's excellent technique sees him meet a deep cross on the volley, and the visitors are level just before the break.
GOAL: 39' Mainz 2-2 Augsburg
Baier's ball in from the right ricochets kindly off Hack and Koo slams a half-volley high into the net...great opportunism from the South Korea international.
GOAL: 29' Ingolstadt 1-0 Schalke
Cool as you like, Moritz Hartmann strokes the ensuing spot-kick down the middle to put Ingolstadt in front!
PENALTY: 28' Ingolstadt 0-0 Schalke
Ingolstadt’s Dario Lezcano does Junior Caicara for pace and when the Ingolstadt man goes down in the box, the referee points straight to the spot!
GOAL: 26' Darmstadt 1-0 Stuttgart
Lovely through ball for Sandro Wagner, who finishes with the confidence of a man in form to put the hosts ahead.
CHANCE: 23' Ingolstadt 0-0 Schalke
Brilliant from Schalke’s Leroy Sane, but Franco Di Santo can’t quite apply the telling touch in front of goal. Let-off for Ingolstadt!
GOAL: 23' Mainz 2-1 Augsburg
Latza exploits hesitation in the visiting defence, slips the ball through to De Blasis, who rounds Hitz and slides the ball into the unguarded goal.
GOAL: 20' FC Bayern München 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt
Stunning strike from Franck Ribery for his second goal of the season. Mario Götze burst forward, stabbed the ball goalwards and when it ricocheted up off the legs of Hradecky, Ribery acrobatically volleyed into the net...brilliant goal.
GOAL: 13' Mainz 1-1 Augsburg
Yunus Malli slips a little ball back to Christian Clemens, who equalises with confidence...all square.
GOAL: 9' Mainz 0-1 Augsburg
Caiuby slots home the first goal of the afternoon in the Bundesliga - a precise sidefoot finish across Loris Karius and into the far corner from the Brazilian.
15:30 - KICK-OFF
1' We're underway around Germany
15:20 - Alonso milestone
50 Bundesliga appearances and counting for Bayern midfield synergist Xabi Alonso...
15:15 - Coman crocked
There's no Kingsley Coman in the Bayern squad today. The France international is nursing a minor muscle complaint... but how good is it to see Javi Martinez back in the starting line-up?!
15:05 - Neuer the Wall
Bayern custodian Manuel Neuer's looking in fine fettle after sitting out Germany's friendly win over Italy with a stomach upset.
14:25 - Line-ups
14:10 - Do or die in Hanover
Fantastic blue skies in Hanover, but let's not forget these are dark times for Die Roten. Bottom of the table and ten points adrift of safety, Thomas Schaaf's side cannot afford anything other than a win against Hamburger SV if they are to have any hope of turning their season around down the back straight.
Stadium tour: Merck Stadion am Böllenfalltor
13:55 - One of a kind
It's almost 34 years since Stuttgart last faced Darmstadt at the Merck Stadion am Böllenfalltor, but the Lilies' inimitable abode has not changed one bit. There really is nowhere else like it!
13:45 - Kovac bros back in town
Much like the Matip boys, Niko and Robert Kovac will be looking to pen their own fraternal tale in Munich today. The Croatian duo - head and assistant coach at Frankfurt - both represented FC Bayern as players, winning a memorable Bundesliga and DFB Cup double in 2003. Can they spring a major surprise on their return to the Bavarian capital? Let us know on Twitter: @Bundesliga_EN
13:35 - Augsburg hot to trot
Clouds overhead in Mainz at the moment, but temperatures could rise as high as 16°C this afternoon. Not bad at all for 2 April!
13:25 - When heroes collide
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it looks like Mainz's Yunus Malli heading straight for Augsburg's Ja-Cheol Koo! That must mean there's another crucial game in store at the Coface Arena, with Mainz chasing a place in Europe and Augsburg fighting for survival.
13:10 - Fortress Allianz Arena
Bayern may have dropped points in Frankfurt earlier this season, but their record against the Eagles at their very own Allianz Arena is pretty impeccable, we're sure you'll agree...
13:05 - Predictions please
Facing Dortmund at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK is not at an easy task at the best of times, but when you're without your record goalscorer like Bremen... How do you think the Green-Whites will fare minus the services of Peruvian goal machine Claudio Pizarro? Let us know on Twitter: @Bundesliga_EN
Read: Three points a must for Schalke and Ingolstadt
12:50 - Fraternal rivalry
The Matip boys could line up at opposite ends of the pitch this afternoon, when Joel's Schalke travel to Marvin's Ingolstadt.
Match preview: Dortmund vs Bremen
12:35 - Mission 1 almost accomplished
Dortmund can make Champions League qualification a mathematical certainty with victory over Bremen in today's late game, reads the tweet below. They also need the points to keep the pressure on Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern, who host Eintracht Frankfurt this afternoon.
The Guide: Bayern vs Frankfurt
12:25 - Hernandez loving life in the Bundesliga
After playing a decisive role in Leverkusen's impressive 3-0 win over Wolfsburg, that man Hernandez spoke to bundesliga.com about the reasons behind his unstoppable form in the Bundesliga. You can read through that exclusive chin wag right here.
12:15 - Welcome back!
Hey there, folks. We hope you've all had time to digest last night's excitement in Leverkusen, where Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez took the role of super sub to a whole new level against faltering Wolfsburg. You'll be delighted to learn there's plenty more where that came from later today, with title rivals FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund both in action...
Friday, 1 April
00:00 Gute Nacht!
The bells ring for midnight in central Europe and we wrap up our live coverage of Matchday 28 here - but only for a few hours! Cast your eyes over what we have lined up on Saturday with the fixtures above, and we will help set the scene for those games with more live build-up throughout the morning. So until then, gute Nacht!
Man of the Match
We asked you who you felt was the man of the match from the opening fixture of Matchday 28, and one name stood out above all others:
Follow the Bundesliga on Twitter: @Bundesliga_EN
22:20 FULL TIME
Leverkusen pick up a thoroughly deserved 3-0 win. Bayer 04 move up into fourth for the time being, while Wolfsburg reamin four points adrift of a top-six finish.
22:17 Big moment
With the win in the bag, Roger Schmidt sends on Charles Aranguiz to make his Bundesliga debut after a pre-season ligament tear scuppered the start of his Leverkusen career.
22:15 Yurchenko makes it three
Jet lag? What jet lag? Chicharito is involved again as he sets up Vladlen Yurchenko who smashes in an effort that's almost as good as the one the Mexican scored earlier.
22:10 Game over?
Leverkusen's second goal has taken the pace out of proceedings. Wolfsburg have let their heads drop and allowed their frustrations to get the better of them. In truth they've been second best throughout.
22:00 What. A. Goal!
It looked like there was nothing on, but for a man like Chicharito that means nothing. The Mexican picks his spot from 20 yards out and sees his effort cannon in off the far post with Benaglio rooted to the spot.
21:52 CHICHARITO!!!
Mistake by Robin Knoche and the Mexican breaks through one-on-one with Diego Benaglio, but with the angle against him, he can't slip the ball beyond the Swiss custodian. He doesn't miss many like that!
21:48 Chicharito enters the fray
Leverkusen know that a one-goal lead might not be enough to beat Wolfsburg. It's a precarious scoreline and as a result, head coach Roger Schmidt has sent on superstar striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez. You'd be silly to bet against him scoring tonight.
21:40 Rare sight of goal
Andre Ramalho almost gifts Wolfsburg a goal after a slight mishap at the back, Bernd Leno gets enough on Bruno Henrique's shot before easily collecting Joshua Guilavogui's effort seconds later.
21:36 So close!
Julian Brandt is having a great game. The youngster picks the ball up cuts across the face of the area before producing a cheeky backheel that finds Hakan Calhanoglu. Unfortunately the Turkish midfielder bends his effort just wide of the far post.
21:31 Second half
We're back underway. Bruno Henrique has come on for Wolfsburg, but can the Wolves turn it around?
21:15 Half time!
Leverkusen lead through Julian Brandt's opener. The hosts have had more control on the encounter, but there is little between the two sides. Right now we just need to see more from Wolfsburg in the final third, they're struggling to get out of midfield.
21:11 Good omen for Bayer 04
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have won all 12 of the Bundesliga matches in which they've taken the lead this season, while Wolfsburg are yet to come from behind to win in 12 attempts in the current campaign.
21:01 Brandt is on fire
With several players out injured, Julian Brandt is finding his form at just the right time.
20:57 Deadlock broken!
Leverkusen combine to devastating effect as Julian Brandt plays a one-two with Hakan Calhanoglu before slotting the ball into the bottom corner. A lovely goal and no less than the hosts have deserved.
20:52 Blocked shot
Vieirinha dances his way down the right before cutting the ball across the edge of the box to Max Kruse, but the Wolfsburg striker can't thread his shot through to Leverkusen bodies inside the area.
20:45 No real chances
Leverkusen have established an early control on proceedings. However, but for a Karim Bellarabi half chance, neither side is really threatening to break the deadlock just yet.
20:38 Strong start
Leverkusen appear to be pleased with their performance in the opening exchanges against Wolfsburg.
20:31 April Fools!
Leverkusen are obviously having a little fun on their Twitter channel. "2x goals! Unbelievable! Bernd Leno with two overhead kicks to make it 2-0!" reads the tweet below.
20:30 Kick-off!
We're underway. Which side can pick up three pivotal points in the race for Europe?
20:19 Pre-match predictions
A few of our Twitter followers have chimed in with how they see the game tonight going. Most are expecting plenty of goals.
20:03 Pre-match selfie
The BayArena plays host to a huge game tonight, but there's always time for the fans before the game kicks off!
19:32 Line-ups
The teams are in for tonight's opening fixture. What do you think? You still have time to vote on what you think will be the outcome tonight - just click your prediction above.
Watch: Leverkusen 4-5 Wolfsburg
19:00 Bundesliga rewind
Not long now before Leverkusen and Wolfsburg take to the field at the BayArena, the scene of one of the most dramatic Bundesliga games ever. What are we talking about? Well the 2015 nine-goal thriller, of course.
Read: blow-by-blow guide to an historic battle
18:45 Crunch month
Just take a look at what lies in store for Bayern this April:
Star page: Check out our mini-site dedicated to Chicharito!
17:54 Chicharito fans
Some fans have made the 9,400 kilometre journey from Mexico to Germany to see Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez in action. Can the Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker add to his 14 Bundesliga goals against VfL Wolfsburg?
17:11 Badstuber on the comeback trail
FC Bayern München defender Holger Badstuber has been confined to just seven appearances this season after battling thigh and ankle injuries. The Eintracht Frankfurt game on Saturday will come too soon for the big defender, though. Get well soon, Holger!
16:17 - Russ out
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Marco Russ has been ruled out of the FC Bayern München match on Saturday with a thigh injury.
Read: FC Bayern München vs. Eintracht Frankfurt preview
Tell us on twitter: @Bundesliga_EN
16:05 - Geis gunning for Ingolstadt
Johannes Geis, 22, has scored twice for Schalke this season and plans to add many more in his career.
Who is the best free-kick taker you have seen in the Bundesliga?
15:50 - Ever been to the BayArena?
15:25 Player of the Month - March
14:59 - Dortmund injuries
Ilkay Gündogan has joined Neven Subotic on the sidelines for Borussia Dortmund after picking up a foot injury.
“He has no pain when running, nor in football boots. We hope he can return to training next week,” said coach Thomas Tuchel.
U23 player Jon Stankovic called into BVB squad to replace Subotic, whose season is over due to thrombosis in his arm.
14:49 - Also this weekend
Saturday, 2 April, 2016
FC Bayern München vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
SV Darmstadt 98 vs. VfB Stuttgart
FC Ingolstadt 04 vs. FC Schalke 04
1. FSV Mainz 05 vs. FC Augsburg
Borussia Dortmund vs. SV Werder Bremen
Sunday, 3 April, 2016
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs. Hertha Berlin
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs. 1.FC Köln
14:45 - Pizarro out
SV Werder Bremen striker Claudio Pizarro will not make the Borussia Dortmund game after all...
Read: Ribery's exclusive interview with bundesliga.com
14:30 - Ribery importance
Despite missing most of the last year with injury, FC Bayern München star Franck Ribery remains a key member of the Bavarians' first-team squad.
14.21 - Eye on the ball
FC Bayern coach Pep Guardiola is refusing to look past relegation-threatened Eintracht Frankfurt as his side close in on a fourth consecutive Bundesliga title. The Bavarians will be without Medhi Benatia, however.
14.09 - Dortmund ready
Despite heading into Saturday's match with SV Werder Bremen 36 points better off then Viktor Skripnik's side, Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel is taking nothing for granted, saying: "We are preparing for the best Werder Bremen."
Read: Borussia Dortmund vs. SV Werder Bremen preview
13.50 - Possible line-ups:
Bayer 04 leverkusen are without defenders Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Ömer Toprak so Christoph Kramer start at centre-back in Friday's Matchday 28 opener. Wolfsburg's Julian Draxler is one card away from a suspension.
Leverkusen: Leno - Henrichs, Tah, Jedvaj, Wendell - Calhanoglu, Kramer - Bellarabi, Brandt - Kießling (c), Chicharito
Wolfsburg: Casteels - Träsch, Knoche, Dante, Rodriguez - Guilavogui, Luiz Gustavo (c) - Vieirinha, Arnold, Draxler - Schürrle
Read: Borussia Mönchengladach vs. Hertha Berlin preview
13.11 - Bright future for Nagelsmann
With 21 years on Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann, Köln coach Peter Stöger sees no reason why his opposite number on Sunday cannot make great strides in the game.
12.40 - *Darmstadt's new mascot
Sv Darmstadt 98 finally have a new mascot of their own: The Lily Pig!
*Check the date!
12.20 - *Zlatan Bayern-bound
After winning titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, Ibrahimovic is poised to try and add a German title to his glittering trophy cabinet. The move is a slam-dunk apparently...
*Check the date!
11.50 - Clean bill?
Apart from Pirmin Schwegler, the Bundesliga's youngest coach Julian Nagelsmann has a full squad to choose from as TSG 1899 Hoffenheim look to continue their great escape with 1. FC Köln up next.
Read: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - 1.FC Köln preview
11.20 - Piza to deliver?
SV Werder Bremen are hoping to welcome back 12-goal Claudio Pizarro for Saturday's clash with Borussia Dortmund.
10.40 - Also this weekend
Saturday, 2 April, 2016
FC Bayern München vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
SV Darmstadt 98 vs. VfB Stuttgart
FC Ingolstadt 04 vs. FC Schalke 04
1. FSV Mainz 05 vs. FC Augsburg
Borussia Dortmund vs. SV Werder Bremen
Sunday, 3 April, 2016
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs. Hertha Berlin
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs. 1.FC Köln
9.50 - Dante's inferno
VfL Wolfsburg's Dante is in confident mood as his team look to pull to within a point of Leverkusen, who currently occupy the final UEFA Europa League place.
9.45 - All hands on deck
There could be a Bayer 04 Leverkusen debut for Chilean midfielder Charles Aranguiz, and Lars Bender is back in contention after ankle and hamstring injuries.
9.15 - The best game ever?
9:00 - Aranguiz to make debut