The Bundesliga title race is close to an end, with now Borussia Dortmund at an advantage over Bayern Munich’s ten-year winning streak.
Dortmund gained a massive advantage in the title race when Bayern Munich lost 3-1 to RB Leipzig. They then went two points clear at the top when they beat Augsburg 3-0.
The Augsburg game had a lot of pressure on Dortmund. The team struggled to create anything resulting in a 0-0 half. But it was Sebastian Haller who saved the team when he scored a brace in the second half. Julian Brandt scored another in stoppage time to seal a great win.
What is the current league standing?
After Dortmund’s win against Augsburg earned them the full three points, the Black and Yellows are at the top of the Bundesliga. They are in first place with 70 points, which is two points higher than second-placed Bayern Munich.
Third-placed RB Leipzig is on 63 points which means they are out of the title race. With just one game remaining, the Bundesliga winners will be decided on the final matchday of the season.
Bundesliga table after matchday 33 pic.twitter.com/ihAafNRFtP
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) May 21, 2023
Bayern Munich were leading the league ever since they beat Dortmund 4-2 back in April. But some poor results, including the loss against RB Leipzig, led them to lose their lead.
Dortmund on the other hand, kept cool and gained many points to secure the top spot again.
Bayern have won the Bundesliga title ten consecutive times from 2013 to 2022. The last time they lost out on the title was in 2012 when rivals Dortmund won the trophy. The Bavarians could also have a trophyless season for the first time since 2012.
Final day equation for Dortmund to secure the Bundesliga title
With the Bundesliga set to end in a final matchday, Dortmund has several ways to win the title.
Next Saturday, Dortmund faces Mainz at home while Bayern travels away to Koln. To win the title, Dortmund needs a win against Mainz as that will confirm the title even if Bayern win their game. If both teams lose or draw their games, Dortmund wins the title anyway.
If Borussia Dortmund beat Mainz in the final game of the Bundesliga season they will be champions with 73 points.
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) May 21, 2023
The last time 73 points would have been enough to win the Bundesliga title was 2010. pic.twitter.com/VztfVR70in
But if Dortmund loses and Bayern wins, the Bavarians will be one point clear and declared champions. Similarly, if Dortmund draws their game while Bayern wins, they will be equal on 71 points. In that case, Bayern will win based on goal difference. Tuchel’s men have accumulated a GD of 53 while Dortmund only has 39. If Bayern draw and Dortmund lose, they will still be one point behind.
For Dortmund to win the title, they will have to win, or if they drop points, hope their rivals do so as well. But they must focus fully on winning, as Bayern are still a formidable side.
Both teams face easy fixtures, which they are expected to win. Dortmund especially has been unstoppable at home, while Bayern has difficulty in away stadiums.
If all goes well, Dortmund could be crowned Bundesliga champions again after an 11-year wait.
