The Trier Basketball Fairytale: Now the Bayern are coming - Underdog Trier aims to topple Bayern Munich in BBL Cup showdown
Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier, the surprise leaders of the Bundesliga, face a daunting task as they take on reigning champions Bayern Munich in the BBL Cup on Sunday. Trier, promoted to the top flight after a decade, aim to cap their fairytale start with a win and secure a spot in the Top Four of the BBL Cup.
Trier's success this season is built on a core of players from last season's promotion campaign, led by veteran center Maik Zirbes. The team's management and coaching staff, led by the league's youngest coach Jacques Schneider, have played a crucial role in this surprise rise. Schneider, at just 33, has guided Trier to six wins and one loss, putting them ahead of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich, however, will be no easy opponent. The team is coming off a EuroLeague double-header, facing FC Barcelona and Anadolu Efes before traveling to Trier. Despite their EuroLeague commitments, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has emphasized the importance of avoiding another semifinal defeat like last season's loss to MBC in Weißenfels. The BBL Cup Final Four is likely to be held in Munich's SAP Garden, adding extra motivation for Bayern Munich to avoid a slip-up against Trier.
Trier's confidence is boosted by the form of point guard Eli Brooks. After struggling at EWE Baskets Oldenburg, Brooks has flourished at Trier after being recommended by Franz Wagner. The idea to sign Brooks came from the team's management and coaching staff, led by Schneider, when the team moved up to the Bundesliga for the 2025/2026 season.
Trier, with their surprise Bundesliga lead and impressive form, will be looking to pull off an upset against Bayern Munich. Despite Bayern Munich's EuroLeague commitments and the potential home advantage in the BBL Cup Final Four, Trier's success this season shows they are capable of causing an upset. The match promises to be an exciting clash between the surprise leaders and the reigning champions.
