The German Bundesliga title race is reaching a fever pitch as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund go head-to-head in the final stretch of the season. Bayern are playing catch-up to leaders Dortmund with only five games left, but they have a chance to regain the top spot when they take on Hertha Berlin in front of a home crowd this weekend. The game is crucial for Bayern as a win would see them sit one point above their rivals.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has had a rocky start since replacing Julian Nagelsmann, with just two wins from his seven games in charge. However, he remains optimistic about his team’s chances, saying at a recent news conference, “The situation has become more difficult for us now but it is not hopeless. I still have the feeling we will shift up a gear (in the last five games).”
Meanwhile, Dortmund slipped up on Friday night, drawing 1-1 at VfL Bochum. Karim Adeyemi quickly responded to Anthony Losilla’s opener for Bochum on five minutes, but the league leaders could not get the victory to take them four points clear. This result gives Bayern an even better chance to overtake their rivals and win the league title for an 11th straight year.
Since Tuchel’s arrival in late March, Bayern have been knocked out of the German Cup and the Champions League last eight, while also giving up the lead in the Bundesliga. Tuchel will also have to contend with the absence of France defender Dayot Upamecano, who picked up a muscle injury in training this week and will be sidelined for about two weeks.
The game against Hertha, who are currently in last place, may not be an easy one for Bayern. Hertha have brought back former coach Pal Dardai in a last-ditch effort to avoid relegation and have been known to be unpredictable in their recent performances. Tuchel recognizes this and has said, “We have to reduce expectations and not expect too much from ourselves too early… We have to take it one minute at a time and eventually reach the win. But we have to deliver.”
While the title race is looking like a two-horse race between Bayern and Dortmund, there is still plenty to play for further down the table. With just five games left in the season, it is anyone’s game. Fans of German football are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this thrilling season.
