Bundesliga: 3 Things to Watch for This Weekend
As the Bundesliga prepares for matchday 23, there’s a wealth of excitement and anticipation in the air. From the top of the table, where Bayern Munich maintains an eight-point lead over second-place Freiburg and Mainz, to the relegation zone, where Bochum is fighting to avoid automatic relegation, the league offers a wide range of compelling storylines. Here are three key things to watch for this weekend:
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Push for European Football
Borussia Monchengladbach’s resurgence has quietly gathered momentum, and they come into their match against Augsburg on the back of a remarkable four-game unbeaten run. Die Fohlen are currently eighth in the table, just three points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, and their recent form—securing 10 points out of a possible 12—represents their best run of the season. Central to this resurgence is the exceptional form of Tim Kleindienst, who has scored in five consecutive Bundesliga games, a feat not seen since Oliver Neuville’s six-game streak in the 2004/05 season.
Gerardo Seoane’s side has notched up wins against Stuttgart and Union Berlin, and even held high-flying Eintracht Frankfurt to a 1-1 draw in their last three games. With 14 goals and five assists in 21 games this season, Kleindienst has emerged as the top-scoring German in the Bundesliga. If Gladbach are to return to European football for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign, maintaining the form of their star striker will be crucial. The upcoming match against Augsburg is a pivotal opportunity to continue their upward trajectory and solidify their European aspirations.
Can Eintracht Frankfurt Get the Better of Bayern Munich?
The absence of Harry Kane, who is likely to miss the game, is a significant blow for Bayern Munich as they prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday. While Eintracht (3rd: 42 points) may have little hope of catching Bayern (55 points) at the top, they could certainly derail the Rekordmeister’s title ambitions, especially given the close pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen. Vincent Kompany’s side comes into this high-stakes encounter after a disappointing performance against Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday, where Alphonso Davies secured a crucial goal in stoppage time to secure Bayern’s place in the Round of 16.
Eintracht, on the other hand, have had a full week to prepare for this match, and their recent record against Bayern is nothing to scoff at. In their last four Bundesliga games against die Adler, Bayern has managed just one win. Despite the departure of Omar Marmoush, Eintracht boasts a formidable attacking force with Hugo Ekitike, who has netted six goals in his last eight games across all competitions. The presence of talented young players like Hugo Larsson and Nathanial Brown adds further depth to Eintracht’s squad. While they will need to be at their absolute best, the prospect of Eintracht securing a positive result is not out of the question given their recent form and familiarity with Bayern.
Borussia Dortmund’s Search for a Bundesliga Win Under Niko Kovac
Borussia Dortmund’s form since the turn of the year has been nothing short of catastrophic, but the club remains hopeful of securing European football next season. With 12 games remaining, each match now feels like a cup final. Dortmund comes into Saturday’s Topspiel against Union Berlin with just one win in their last seven Bundesliga games in 2025, a victory against Heidenheim under interim manager Mike Tullberg. Niko Kovac, appointed as Nuri Sahin’s successor, is yet to secure a point, having lost his first two league games in charge—a 1-2 defeat against Stuttgart and a 2-0 loss to Bochum.
The 3-0 win against Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League tie provided a glimmer of hope, showcasing some excellent counter-attacking football. However, the return leg on Wednesday was a different story, with another underwhelming performance. The pressure is mounting on Kovac to turn things around, and another poor showing against Union Berlin could spell further trouble. It is imperative that Dortmund starts picking up points soon to salvage their season and maintain their European hopes.
Mainz and Freiburg’s European Ambitions
Both Mainz and Freiburg are well-involved in the battle for European football, and their performances this weekend will be crucial. Mainz currently sits in sixth place with 35 points, just one point behind fifth-place Union Berlin, while Freiburg is third with 42 points, firmly in the running for a potential Champions League spot. Mainz’s recent form, including a 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig and a 2-1 win over Werder Bremen, indicates that they are capable of making a strong push for a European qualification spot.
Freiburg, on the other hand, has been consistently impressive throughout the season, maintaining a strong defensive record and showing resilience in both home and away games. Their match against Hertha Berlin this weekend will be a test of their mettle as they aim to solidify their position in the top four. For both teams, the next few weeks could be defining in their quest to secure European football for the upcoming season.
Bochum’s Battle for Survival
At the other end of the table, Bochum is locked in a desperate battle to avoid automatic relegation. Currently 16th with 19 points, they are just one point above the relegation zone, making every game a matter of life and death. Their recent 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen under interim manager Dirk Schuster provided a significant morale boost, and they will be looking to build on this momentum.
Bochum’s upcoming match against Schalke is a critical one, with both teams vying for a lifeline in the relegation battle. Schalke, who currently sit 18th with 17 points, is also desperate for a win. The atmosphere at the Veltins-Arena is likely to be intense, and the outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams’ survival prospects. Bochum’s determination and resilience will be put to the test, and a positive result could provide the confidence they need to push for a safe position in the league.
Conclusion
The Bundesliga offers a thrilling spectacle this weekend, with a mix of high-profile clashes, European aspirations, and relegation battles. From Borussia Monchengladbach’s push for a European return to Eintracht Frankfurt’s potential to upset Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund’s need for a revival under Niko Kovac, the stage is set for a weekend of high-stakes football. As the season progresses, these matches will play a crucial role in shaping the final standings and determining the fates of many clubs.
