Defeat to RB Leipzig would be costly for Borussia Dortmund
It’s only February, yet it already seems clear cut that one of just two teams will lift the Bundesliga trophy when the season draws to a close in May.
Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig currently sit in first and second place, each holding 13 and 10 point leads over their title rivals respectively. Those two sides have held onto the top two spots for the majority of the season so far and Judging by their current form, it is likely to remain that way until the end. Although, a few poor results could see their leads rapidly diminish.
RB Leipzig will be confident that they can hold out, having come through a run of four games which saw them face sixth placed Hertha Berlin (then third), first placed Bayern Munich, third placed Eintracht Frankfurt (then fourth) and fifth placed Hoffenheim (then third). Astonishingly, Leipzig got through those games with just three points dropped. However, they have one last major clash to play before their fixture schedule eases up - an away visit to Borussia Dortmund.
Ralph Hasenhuttl will have faith in his side to take the spoils against a Dortmund side that have struggled to find match-winning goals in recent months. The 2011/12 Bundesliga champions have won just two of their last seven matches, in a poor run dating back to November. Four of those matches have resulted in draws, which has now left their title hopes in tatters.
Although, Dortmund have suffered just one loss in that period - a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt back in November. Likewise, they have picked up four points from a possible six at home over the course of those seven games. With home advantage, Thomas Tuchel’s side are unlikely to roll over and concede defeat in Saturday’s clash.
Were RB Leipzig the home side, few would bet against them. They have recorded an almost perfect record at the Red Bull Arena, having won eight and drawn one, with one of those victories coming against Dortmund.
Although, their away record is a little worse for wear. The title hopefuls have won just five of their nine away matches, drawing two and losing two so far. In their last four matches, they disposed of Berlin, Frankfurt and Hoffenheim at home, but the points that they dropped were away to Bayern Munich. Dortmund are some way off of the level of Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern side, but with the intense Westfalenstadion crowd behind them, there is every chance that they could steal a victory.
Three points on the table could be crucial for both sides this weekend. If Leipzig fail to win, Bayern will likely pull five or six points ahead at the top of the table. It’s a small lead, but one that will be very hard to make up against the frontrunners, who are chasing a fifth consecutive title. Three more dropped points could also be costly for Tuchel’s side. They are still in the running to clinch one of the four Champions League spots on offer, but with Hoffenheim, Berlin and FC Koln breathing down their necks, one more negative result could see them fall as low as seventh.
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