Bundesliga Blues: Dortmund's Struggles and Leverkusen's Slim Chance
Needing a Miracle in Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga season has hit a roadblock, leaving them in the dust behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen after their 1:1 draw against FC Augsburg. With a potential 13-point gap narrowing to ten if they claim victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, it's a make-or-break scenario for Edin Terzic's squad.
Top-flight strugglers since their DFB Cup exit, Borussia Dortmund has displayed elements of forced performance and a lack of coolness reserved for granite in their mouths, according to national star Julian Brandt. The verse rings dolefully of last season's sixth-place finish on matchday 15 – nine points below the then-leaders, FC Bayern Munich.
However, the German giants displayed an electrifying second half of the season, driven by desperation to regain their mantle. And like Brandt, who juggles international commitments and club ambitions with ease, Dortmund is more than capable of launching a come-from-behind attack to seize the Bundesliga title.
Leverkusen's Slim Title Chance
Even if BVB fails to seize the lead, their arch-nemesis, Leverkusen, could bolster their chances with a win against Eintracht Frankfurt. The 13-point deficit could creep closer, and Terzic's side will chase cuts to the bone as the season draws to a dramatic, nail-biting conclusion.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, has been holding its own against the reigning champions and the 2020/21 Bundesliga winners, FC Bayern Munich, who lead the way with an impressive 10-point lead over second-place Leverkusen. In contrast, bitter rival Dortmund is ten points adrift of the leaders.
Dodging the Horror Season
Borussia Dortmund's slump has left them hovering on the brink of a "horror season" – a devastating descent from grace that will significantly impact the club's reputation and fortune. And with their final game of the 2021/22 Bundesliga season against FSV Mainz 05 looming on the horizon, it's a chance for Dortmund to reconcile its past and give its legions of supporters a much-needed reason to cheer.
Defeat on Tuesday would be a bitter pill to swallow for Terzic and his battered troops. After a run of five defeats in seven matches, the German giants will undergo a reckoning of sorts, facing the reality that this season has been arguably their most difficult in recent memory.
Balancing Act in Cologne
Fortunately for BVB, Mainz has not been an overly destructive force in the Bundesliga this season. With a passage of play characterized by patient possession and intricate passing moves, Dortmund should enjoy some respite as they hunt for victory. However, maintaining focus and motivation will be key to any successful result.
Bayer Leverkusen in the Title Mix
As the battle intensifies for the Bundesliga title, Leverkusen will be looking to improve their form both in offense and defense. With creative players like Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick shining, it's vital that the defense tightens up to mitigate the risk of conceding goals that could derail their championship ambitions.
Enrichment Data
- Joachim Löw's international star, Julian Brandt, has shouldered the team through its recent struggles with determination and cleverness.
- Bayer Leverkusen has only lost once in 21 Bundesliga matches. Despite this, Borussia Dortmund, FC Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig are all hot on their heels.
- Post-match analysis of Leverkusen's draws suggests that they may have squandered title-deciding opportunities to close the gap on Bayern Munich.
- Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen will face each other in their final matches of the Bundesliga season - setting the scene for a potential title decider, which will test both teams' mettle to the fullest, as German football approaches an exciting climax.
