Saturday’s conflict between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund is not going to lack any spice regardless of either side within the midst of struggling home seasons.
Usually a battle between the 2 sides eyeing Bayern Munich’s crown as Germany’s greatest, each sixth-placed Leipzig and Dortmund, in tenth, are combating to be in subsequent season’s Champions League.
Since their promotion in 2016, Leipzig have solely as soon as did not make Europe’s prime competitors.
Champions League finalists in June, Dortmund haven’t missed out on the elite occasion since ending seventh within the 2014-15 season — which proved to be Jurgen Klopp’s final on the membership.
Each golf equipment are closely reliant on Champions League soccer from a monetary perspective.
However with Mainz and Freiburg properly on monitor for a first-ever Champions League participation, ending within the prime 4 is a troublesome goal.
Talking with AFP and different media on Thursday, Leipzig midfielder Ridle Baku stated his aspect would thrive with their backs to the wall.
“They should win, we additionally have to win. However I believe these video games make us higher, as a result of we have to carry out one hundred pc, in any other case we’re not going to win this recreation,” he stated.
“However I wish to have that sort of stress. I all the time play higher when we’ve got stress.”
Regardless of their latest struggles in Germany, Dortmund will probably be buoyed by Wednesday’s win over Lille which put them by means of to the final eight within the Champions League.
Dortmund’s win was constructed on the dogged dedication new coach Niko Kovac, appointed in January, has been recognized for all through his profession.
Baku performed beneath Kovac at Wolfsburg and is aware of the distinction his former mentor could make.
“I liked to play for him. The Dortmund gamers, they will should run loads. They should struggle in any other case there’s an issue.
“We had good occasions, some troublesome occasions like several coach, however I additionally discovered loads from him. I want him all the perfect — however not for Saturday.”
Leaders Bayern Munich, who sit eight factors forward of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen, play at Union Berlin.
Leverkusen, who have been eradicated by Bayern within the final 16 of the Champions League midweek, journey to final season’s runners-up Stuttgart.
One to look at: Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
Regardless of taking part in in an RB Leipzig aspect who’ve struggled, striker Benjamin Sesko continues to impress.
He has 17 targets in all competitions this season, his greatest return at this stage of the competitors in his profession thus far.
Since arriving within the winter break from Wolfsburg, midfielder Ridle Baku informed AFP that Sesko has “all the things it’s essential to develop into a world-class participant.
“From the primary coaching session, I knew already he was good — that good.
“Proper now he hasn’t reached his full potential. However from what I noticed already, he is very spectacular.”
Key stats
0 in 11 — Union Berlin have by no means crushed Bayern Munich in 11 makes an attempt
3 – Augsburg have conceded simply three league targets in 2025 — the bottom mark of any crew in Europe
6 in 21 – Eintracht Frankfurt have simply six factors of a potential 21 since Omar Marmoush’s departure to Manchester Metropolis in January.
Fixtures (1430 GMT except said)
Friday
St Pauli v Hoffenheim (1930)
Saturday
Werder Bremen v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Union Berlin v Bayern Munich, Mainz v Freiburg, Augsburg v Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund (1730)
Sunday
Bochum v Eintracht Frankfurt, Heidenheim v Holstein Kiel (1630), Stuttgart v Bayer Leverkusen (1830)
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