It has been an interesting eight months for Borussia Dortmund. After sparkling into life during the Rückrunde last season, Die Schwarzgelben looked to be the side to finally dethrone Bayern Munich after eleven years of dominance.
However, with a 2-2 draw at home to Mainz on the final day of the season, Edin Terzić’s side fell at the final hurdle. Since then, Dortmund have failed to look like the same side that catapulted their way into title contention, as those around them have seen drastic improvements to their performances.
BvB now sit in fifth place, 15 points away from Bayer Leverkusen in pole position. This has therefore led to many suggesting that Dortmund are certainly out of the Bundesliga title race, a message shared by Bayern’s Thomas Müller during an interview with Sport Bild:
“I don’t think Dortmund will still be fighting for the championship on the last matchday this season.”
While it would be hard to imagine the Black and Yellow’s catching up to Leverkusen and Bayern, with Jadon Sancho returning to the club and making an instant impact, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has also propelled himself into becoming one of the club’s most pivotal players. On top of this, Youssoufa Moukoko’s exciting appearance against Darmstadt on matchday 17 has given Dortmund every hope that their second half of the season can be as strong as last season.
They were able to rally last season and catch Bayern when they were in fifth place this time last season. While the points difference is substantial when compared to the previous campaign, anything is possible, and with the pressure on Bayern and Leverkusen, BvB can only keep plugging away.
Regardless, ensuring that they can finish in the top four and guarantee Champions League qualification should be the main aim for the club this season. However, this is the Bundesliga; never write anybody off.
GGFN | Will Shopland
