Bayern Munich on verge of Bundesliga title

06 April 2013 05:16

Greedy Bayern Munich are hungry to wrap up the Bundesliga title this weekend as victory at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday would see them confirmed German Champions for the 23rd time.

If they beat Frankfurt, Bayern will break their own record for the earliest confirmed title win with six games left and are just nine short of Dortmund's record of 81, set last May, for the most points in a campaign.

With a 20-point lead at the top of the table from rivals Dortmund, a win at Frankfurt would make it impossible for Borussia to deny Munich the title having dominated the league from the start by winning of their first eight games.

Having routed Hamburg 9-2 at Munich's Allianz Arena last Saturday, Bayern were only denied the league title by Dortmund's win in Stuttgart, but this weekend Munich have their destiny in their own hands.

"This time we are not dependent on anyone to be German champions," said director of sport Matthias Sammer, with Bayern chasing their first title since May 2010.

"If it happens, no one should be unhappy about it, just feel the joy after all the hard work which has been put in.

"We'll probably have to celebrate a bit differently, rather than partying until morning, because Juventus wait for us on Wednesday."

With Bayern holding a 2-0 first-leg lead for Tuesday's first leg in Munich, they travel to Turin for the return leg against Juventus on Wednesday in the Champions League and Sammer said the side are hungry for silverware.

"You can see the greed of this team for what they have already achieved, they want more," said Sammer.

"It requires a high-level of responsibility, especially from the captain Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"That means we will have to stay disciplined after the match in Frankfurt and on our return to Munich, but that's what we expect and that is what will happen."

With some players sure to be rested in Frankfurt ahead of the Turin trip, midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri said those selected will do the job.

"We're determined to win the league there," said the Swiss.

"It would give us a boost for the game in Turin."

Having wasted a string of chances in their 0-0 Champions League draw at Malaga on Wednesday, second-placed Borussia Dortmund host strugglers Augsburg as a warm-up before the Spaniards visit Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday.

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is looking to add to his club record having scored in each of his last nine league games to leave him with 20 goals in 24 games this season.

Germany defender Mats Hummels is back training with the reserves after tearing ankle ligaments last month.

Having seen his side routed at Munich last weekend, Hamburg coach Thorsten Fink has promised an improved display in their home game against Freiburg, which could put Fink's side back amongst the top six and European places.

In the only weekend fixture scheduled for Friday, Hoffenheim defeated Dusseldorf on home turf, 3-0.

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v Augsburg, Borussia M'gladbach v Greuther Fuerth, Bayer Leverkusen v VfL Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen v Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayern Munich, Hamburg v Freiburg

Sunday

Nuremberg v Mainz 05, Hanover 96 v VfB Stuttgart

Source: AFP