Will Dortmund be able to end Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance?
One of the most compelling plotlines in recent years in German football has been the rivalry between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Will Dortmund be able to end Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance? given their recent success?
Bayern Munich, which has won the Bundesliga championship a record number of times, has established themselves as a dominant force in German football. Other teams have been left in their wake as a result of their unrelenting grasp on the German league.
On the other side, Dortmund has seen its share of success, most notably taking home the Bundesliga crown in 2011 and 2012 under the charismatic direction of Jurgen Klopp. But Bayern Munich has since dominated the league, consistently taking home the championship. Dortmund’s attempt to retake the Bundesliga throne is set off by the historical setting.
As at now, Dortmund sits on top of the Bundesliga table with 70 points, 2 points more than Bayern. However, the Bavarians have a higher goal difference, hence if Dortmund draws and Bayern wins, it is most likely that Bayern will win the title.
Before Thomas Tuchel came to Bayern, the team was managing well in the Bundesliga and performing excellently in other competitions. Tuchel’s takeover has seen some inconsistencies as this is the second time they have been knocked off the table since Tuchel took over.
Dortmund on the other hand have been in outstanding form. A win today is almost certain although Mainz is not an opponent to underestimate. Mainz have lost their last four games, while Dortmund have won their last five games. It could almost be an unmatched challenged. But this is football, sometimes unexpected events happen.
Dortmund may be without Bellingham, but this is not certain. Terzic has already acknowledged that Bellingham is a doubt for the match against Mainz, but it is worth knowing that the England international trained with the team. Aside Bellingham, Raphael Guerreiro is the only doubt ahead of the game. Dortmund could have a full fit squad for the title decider and they will certainly give their all.
Bayern on the other hand will be playing Koln, a team they are undefeated against in their last 19 Bundesliga games. The only time Koln has managed a victory against Bayern was in 2018 during club friendlies. So, this could certainly be a win for Bayern as well. Bayern would be without Alphonso Davies, Choupo-Moting and Lucas Hernandez, all of which are key players. However, due to Bayern’s squad depth, they have the likes of Muller, Cancelo, Musiala, Coman, Sane, Gnabry and Mane to fill up. The performances of Bayern’s individual players this season has not been encouraging.
If both teams win their games, Dortmund will be champions of Germany, the same applies if both teams lose or draw their games. Bayern can only win if they win their match and Dortmund loses or draws. Hence, a win is a must for Dortmund if they want to end Bayern Munich’s dominance.
