For only the seventh time this century, Bayern Munich face the reality of not lifting the Meisterschale at the end of the season.
Despite being the best second-place side at this stage of a Bundesliga season in the history of the competition, with a tally of 50 points, Der Rekordmeister have been unable to live with Bayer Leverkusen this season. This was highlighted on Saturday evening when Die Werkself humiliated Bayen 3-0 at the BayArena to open the gap up to five points between the two sides.
However, while the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal may now be unattainable for the record champions, the Champions League is still a real possibility. This is a mindset shared with former Bayern midfielder Lothar Matthäus on Sky Germany:
“At the moment, I would say that the Champions League is easier for Bayern to win than the German championship. At least they have it in their own hands.”
Therefore, there is the option that Der Rekordmeister put their full focus on winning the Champions League, considering Leverkusen are running away with the league title. It is an idea that could become more of a reality with Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen confirming the club’s desire to lift the trophy at the end of the campaign:
“I said at the beginning of the season that it is always FC Bayern’s goal to reach the Champions League final. That must be our aim.”
However, this is Bayern Munich, and giving up on the Meisterschale is simply not an option. While it will undoubtedly be hard to snatch the title away from the Werkself now, especially in light of the unrelenting form they are in, it will still be expected of Thomas Tuchel to deliver come May.
As well as this, Lazio are not to be taken lightly. The Italian side have hit a rich vein of form after struggling in the early stages of the season, and they will certainly make it difficult for Tuchel’s side.
With far greater sides such as Real Madrid and Manchester City remaining in the competition, Bayern are still not even favourites to make it to the showpiece event at Wembley. If they are to lift any piece of silverware at the end of the campaign, then Der Rekordmeister will have to show more fight and far greater character than they have all season.
GGFN | Will Shopland
