Bayern Munich have dominated the Bundesliga in the 21st century and are now in the hunt for a 12th successive title in Germany.
The Bavarians have the tightest of grips on top spot despite Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig taking turns to push them hard at the summit of the table.
In fact, BVB took the race to the final day of the season with Bayern only snatching the title from them with an 89th minute winner at Cologne. After that scare, Die Roten went out and bought England top scorer Harry Kane who found the net on his debut and already has a hat-trick during his first months in Germany.
So, can anybody catch Bayern? To assess the different odds, click here and analyse the different ways you can back different games, teams and players.
This article will look at the rivals who have the best, yet outside chance, of wrestling the trophy from Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Borussia Dortmund Determined to End Wait
BVB, who last won the title in 2012, looked to have finally toppled Bayern but couldn’t get the job done on the last day of the season. Welcoming Mainz to Dortmund, the Black and Yellows were two down after 24 minutes. It was a disastrous start and, despite getting it back to 2-2, a draw wasn’t enough.
This season, Dortmund have recruited smartly with the signings of Ramy Bensebaini,Niclas Fullkrug and former Bayern midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.
Jude Bellingham is a big miss after he joined Real Madrid but BVB are unbeaten heading into the last week of September.
Bayer Leverkusen Keeping Early Pace
Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, the legendary Spain midfielder, flew out the blocks, keeping pace with Bayern and drawing at the Allianz Arena.
The Black and Reds have impressed fans and neutrals alike with the football on display during the opening weeks of the season and confidence is high after they also kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 4-0 victory over BK Hacken of Sweden.
With Alex Grimaldo and Granit Xhaka coming in to complement Florian Wirtz and Co who finished sixth last time out, it seems Leverkusen have a balanced squad that can truly compete this season.
RB Leipzig Always Up There
Leipzig only made their Bundesliga debut seven years ago but, since earning promotion in 2016, the club backed by Red Bull have finished second or third in five of the seven seasons.
Regulars in the Champions League, Marco Rose’s side are an efficient side who are sure to keep pushing Bayern for supremacy and won four of their five games this campaign. That’s despite losing Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku to the Premier League over summer.
Recruiting young, talented players as replacements including Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig know they are capable after defeating Die Roten 3-0 in the Super Cup this August and so they will be confident of being in the title race come May.
Overall, it is sure to be another enthralling season of Bundesliga action. Observers may expect Bayern to stroll to another title but in Dortmund, Leverkusen and Leipzig, they face serious competition if they are to record their annual triumph in 2024.
