It’s easy to get behind the almighty Bayern Munich, whose stranglehold on German football has seen them cruise to seven consecutive Bundesliga titles in recent times.
But when looking at the underdogs that could possibly overthrow the Bavarian bulldozers, Borussia Dortmund are the usual suspects. Adored by many across the world for their talented team and passionate Yellow Wall, Dortmund have been the closest to challenging Bayern’s dominance in recent years.
The Black and Yellow were the last team to win Germany’s top tier back in 2012 outside from Bayern, as Jurgen Klopp led them to glory with a domestic double and back-to-back titles. Not since then has a team managed to beat Bayern to the title, but Lucien Favre’s side have once again been the closest.
Last season, the eight-time German champions spent the majority of the season at the summit of the league table, even opening points gaps between themselves and Bayern on numerous occasions. Many criticised Dortmund for ultimately surrendering a title that was seemingly theirs to lose, and this year, they will be even more determined to finally get their hands on the famous trophy
Die Schwarzgelben had a dreadful start to the campaign this season, with just five wins from their first league games. Many of the problems arose from the formation and the form of the strikers that played in the 4-3-2-1 system. Fortunes have changed since the winter break, however, with a tweak by Favre to a three at the back formation that gets the best out of elite attacking wide men, Marco Reus and Jadon Sancho.
The English winger has been involved in an incredible 30 goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances, with 14 goals and 16 assists meaning nobody, even the great Robert Lewandowski, has been involved in more.
Another key factor to the resurgence of Dortmund’s form was the January signing of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian goal machine has hit an incredible 40 goals in 33 appearances this season, with 12 coming in his 11 appearances for Dortmund following his £18m switch. The combination of the young starlets such as Haaland and Sancho with the experience of talented players like Reus and Mats Hummels have made Dortmund a joy to watch as they continue to press Bayern for the title.
They’re now the leaders of the chasing pack, with four points separating them from the champions. Will you be part of the Yellow Wall as they look to finally end Bayern’s domination?