The Essentials: Matchday 7
Cologne - Robert Lewandowski broke yet more records, while the weekend brought a change in fortunes for several clubs in the bottom half of the table. Once again, the Bundesliga did not disappoint.
Allow bundesliga.com to guide you through the essential stories, facts and figures to have emerged from Matchday 7...
4) Darmstadt still defying the odds
Most people would have had Darmstadt down as relegation certainties before the season, but the promoted side continued their gutsy start to the season with a 2-2 draw in Dortmund. Dirk Schuster's men have been particularly strong on the road: they have now taken points off Bayer 04 Leverkusen, FC Schalke 04 and Dortmund on their travels. Indeed, with an eminently winnable fixture on Friday against SV Werder Bremen, Schuster will be looking to go into the international break even higher than his side's current ninth place.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
6) Leverkusen looking forward to Barcelona
Bayer Leverkusen put in an imperious display to claim a 3-0 away victory against Werder Bremen on Saturday afternoon. Roger Schmidt's side couldn't have wished for a better preparation for the UEFA Champions League clash with FC Barcelona on Tuesday, while news that Lionel Messi will miss the game through injury will also have been music to Leverkusen ears.
9) Hannover secure a derby pick-me-up
Hannover 96 are still searching for their first win of the season, but despite falling to rock bottom of the standings on Matchday 7, spirits remain high among die Roten after a gutsy performance secured a 1-1 draw against local rivals Wolfsburg. It was arguably the best performance of the season from Michael Frontzeck's side.