Borussia Dortmund Focus On Cologne As Bayern Munich Showdown Looms

With the ‘Klassiker’ conflict towards Bayern Munich on the horizon, Borussia Dortmund will need to keep away from a lack of focus towards Cologne on Sunday with a title on the road. While Dortmund have had their share of woes towards higher sides lately, their title challenges have actually come undone in poor performances towards the league’s outmatched however spirited underdogs. Led by pugnacious supervisor Steffen Baumgart, typically seen on the sideline sporting only a flat cap and a t-shirt within the German winter chill, no membership embodies the underdog spirit greater than Cologne.

Dortmund have stuttered after their barnstorming begin to 2023 of 10 wins in 10 matches got here to an finish with a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, leading to elimination from the Champions League.

That loss was adopted by a 2-2 draw at struggling Schalke, as an outgunned however dogged residence aspect equalised twice.

A return to successful methods by Dortmund on Saturday would carry them a degree away from Bayern Munich atop the Bundesliga desk, for no less than one evening.

Bayern journey to Xavi Alonso’s unpredictable Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.

Dortmund’s subsequent match after Cologne is towards Bayern.

Dortmund haven’t received a league match in Munich for the reason that 2013-14 season, when Jurgen Klopp was nonetheless in cost, one purpose they’ve been perennial German soccer bridesmaids since their final title in 2012.

When Dortmund visited Cologne in October that they had an opportunity to go prime however, regardless of taking an early lead, misplaced 3-2.

That consequence was in Dortmund boss Edin Terzic’s thoughts on Thursday when he mentioned “we have been warned enough” about Cologne

Cologne are on a run of poor type however know one other consequence towards a title challenger may put them again on track.

After beginning 2023 with a five-match unbeaten run, together with a draw at Bayern, Cologne have misplaced three of their previous 4 with out scoring, giving rise to fears the Twelfth-placed aspect could also be drawn right into a relegation battle.

Baumgart mentioned his aspect partied just a little too onerous throughout Cologne’s well-known Carnival celebrations in February and are paying the worth.

“I don’t want to offend anyone, but I have now had my experience with the carnival,” the supervisor, who joined Cologne through the Covid pandemic, mentioned on Thursday.

“That wasn’t good for us.

“In the long run, I’ll attempt to do issues otherwise.”

One to watch: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)
The France international defender’s recent turnaround has mirrored that of his club, who now sit two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Bayern stumbled after the winter break but have now re-established their dominance in the league and in Europe.

After scoring his second in Bayern’s 5-3 win over Augsburg — his first brace in professional football — Pavard faced the stands and tapped his badge, a sight unthinkable in January when rumours swirled that the World Cup winner wanted out.

Pavard confirmed his committment in early March, saying Bayern “can obtain nice issues this season” and “I’m not leaving the ship in the midst of the journey”.

Key stats

6 – Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane has had six goals ruled out for offside this season, the most of any player in the top five European leagues.

0 – Hoffenheim were the only club in the bottom five to lose last round and are dead last on 19 points.

6/7 – Bayern have won six of their last seven against Leverkusen, a run of victories that includes the 2020 German Cup final.

Fixtures (all times 1430 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Friday

Borussia Moenchengladbach v Werder Bremen (1930)

Saturday

Augsburg v Schalke, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Stuttgart v Wolfsburg, Bochum v RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund v Cologne (1730)

Sunday

Union Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich (1630), Mainz v Freiburg (1830)

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