Bayern Munich are on the verge of clinching their 34th Bundesliga title as they face RB Leipzig on Saturday. While the race for the top spot seems to be settled, the battle for European places below is heating up.
Vincent Kompany, in his first season as Bayern’s manager, is on the brink of reclaiming the top-flight title for the German record champions. Last year, Bayer Leverkusen surprised everyone by winning both the league and DFB-Pokal in an unbeaten domestic campaign.
Currently, Bayern hold an eight-point lead over the reigning champions, with 75 points accumulated. Leverkusen sits in second place with 67 points and will face fourth-placed Freiburg on Sunday in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.
Unfortunately for Bayern, their top scorer Harry Kane will be suspended for Saturday’s game due to a costly booking against Mainz last week. However, they can secure the title if they defeat Leipzig. Alternatively, if they fail to win, they can still clinch the top spot on Sunday if Leverkusen doesn’t better their result.
Bayern’s record against Leipzig is quite impressive, having lost only one of their last 10 competitive games (W4, D5). They have lost just two games throughout the season (W23, D6).
With the top two spots seemingly secured, the race for a top-four finish and automatic Champions League qualification is intensifying. At least five teams are in contention for these coveted spots.
Eintracht Frankfurt currently sits in third place with 55 points and is almost certain of securing a Champions League spot. They will face Mainz, who are also hopeful of a European finish, on Sunday.
According to the Opta supercomputer, Freiburg is currently the favorite to round out the top four with a 40.9% chance. Borussia Dortmund follows closely behind with a 26.4% chance of finishing fourth. Dortmund is currently in sixth place with 48 points, three behind Freiburg. They will host Wolfsburg on Sunday in their quest for a Champions League place.
Dortmund’s domestic season has been a rollercoaster ride. Initially considered title contenders, they now find themselves battling to salvage something from a disappointing campaign.
However, Dortmund’s recent form has been promising. They have won four of their last five Bundesliga matches and have collected 19 points from nine games since matchday 23. Only Bayern and Leverkusen have claimed more points during this period.
Defender Waldemar Anton highlighted the team’s belief and determination, stating, “What has characterized us in the past weeks is that everyone wants the success of the team. That is how we got our belief back. We just kept at it, and that is why I am happy that we are still in with a realistic chance.”
At the other end of the table, bottom club Bochum faces a crucial relegation battle against Heidenheim on Friday. Heidenheim currently sits four points above Bochum in 16th place, which is the relegation play-off spot. A loss for Bochum could spell curtains for their Bundesliga survival.
In conclusion, while Bayern Munich is on the brink of securing another Bundesliga title, the battle for European places and relegation survival adds an exciting twist to the end of the season.
