Since arriving in the Bundesliga in 2016, RB Leipzig have been one of, if not the most controversial club in German football for a number of reasons.
Over the course of the past two decades, many clubs within Germany have come under fire for one reason or another, whether it be Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg, or Bayer Leverkusen.
But Die Roten Bullen have always seemed to carry a far greater level of disdain when compared to those previously mentioned.
However, for all the riches that come from being associated with Red Bull, Leipzig have rarely been able to make the most of their financial advantage.
While Marco Rose’s side can now boast two DFB-Pokal titles, these achievements were far overdue when accounting for the work that has gone on behind the scenes.
In many ways, failing to win the Bundesliga in the eight previous campaigns is a major indictment to the club.
Nevertheless, this could be about to change.
Is this RB Leipzig’s Bundesliga title to lose?
In the past few seasons, Leipzig have always been a strong favourite to win the Bundesliga, but despite often performing admirably against the top sides such as Bayern Munich, Die Roten Bullen have come unstuck against the minnows in the league.
As well as this, the club have never been able to record a better points tally than 67, a total far below the requirement to be crowned German champions.
Despite this, there is optimism that this could be the season for Rose’s side.
They have kicked off their campaign in a rather familiar Leipzig manner, having struggled to three points against VfL Bochum at home before stunning Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena, handing the Bundesliga champions their first defeat on German soil since May 2023—remarkably enough against Bochum.
Therefore, while they will still need to prove they can be a more consistent outfit, they could benefit from the fact that Germany may not have a superteam this season.
Bayern have looked far from their best and will undeniably take time to play the way Vincent Kompany is planning, while Leverkusen also look far off the pace during the opening exchanges of the campaign.
Borussia Dortmund are also struggling with the same issues plaguing Der Rekordmeister, with Nuri Şahin aiming to add his stamp on a post-Edin Terzić BvB.
With all three sides showing clear weaknesses, Leipzig should pounce on their opportunity this season, especially after yet another smart summer transfer window.
New signing Antonio Nusa has already made his mark this season, clinching Leipzig the all-important three points against Bochum on matchday one.
On top of this, their other recruits, Arthur Vermeeren, Assan Ouédraogo, and Lutsharel Geertruida, have yet to prove their worth in a Leipzig shirt.
To be crowned Bundesliga champions will still be a monumental task for Rose and his disciples, but this is their golden ticket to reach the pinnacle of German football, and while it would only add fuel to the fire of their hatred, it may be the catalyst for many traditional clubs to find a route back to the top.
GGFN | Will Shopland
