Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig

One of the most heavily anticipated fixtures in the Bundesliga calendar pits Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig against each other at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich’s 11-year tenure in the Bundesliga seems destined to end this season, especially after Bayer Leverkusen’s home win at the start of this round stretched the gap between the sides to 11 points. In addition to a dismal domestic season, the Bavarians lag behind Lazio in their Champions League last-16 tie, painting a bleak picture for the record-time German champions. Underperforming manager Thomas Tuchel will wave goodbye to Munich at the end of 2023/24, but for now, his only task is to end Bayern’s three-game losing streak in all competitions. With Bayern winless in their last three league matches against Leipzig (D2, L1), that’s easier said than done, but there’s a silver lining. The hosts have reigned supreme at the Allianz Arena, winning eight of their last nine home league outings (L1).

Knocking Bayern off their home perch is an arduous task, not least because they netted 3+ goals in seven of those eight victories, putting an emphasis on Leipzig’s porous backline. Despite winning two of their last three Bundesliga matches via an identical 2-0 scoreline, ‘Die Roten Bullen’ are barely an example of a rock-solid defense, knowing they’ve conceded 2+ goals in three of their six league games in 2024. Particularly vulnerable on the road, Marco Rose’s men are without a clean sheet in their last 11 away outings across all competitions since beating Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 in September. As if that’s not troubling enough, they’ve capitulated seven times on their last two Bundesliga travels (D1, L1). That perhaps best explains why they commence this round outside the top four, albeit fractionally off fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund.