Bayern Munich Beats Union But The Bundesliga Title Race Remains Wide Open

Bayern Munich has rebounded from their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach with a 3-0 statement victory over Union Berlin. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (31’), Kingsley Coman (40’), and Jamal Musiala (45’) sealed the victory for Bayern in the first half. The result also means Bayern is back on top, even on points with Dortmund (43), but ahead thanks to a better goal differential.

What it does not mean, however, is the end of the title race. Going into the matchday, Union Berlin was even on points with Bayern and remains just three points behind. RB Leipzig, in the meantime, is also back on track, and their 2-1 victory against Frankfurt means that the Red Bulls are just four points behind first place.

“Nothing has been decided in the table today,” Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann said to DAZN after the game. “But we set a certain benchmark for ourselves. I’m very happy with the performance; we only conceded two chances. The boys trained very well this week and implemented everything on the pitch today.”

Although Bayern’s performance was the most impressive in recent weeks, Nagelsmann was quick to point out that the Rekordmeister was favored by the fact that Union Berlin had a midweek game. “I think Thursday’s game was still in Union players’ legs,” Nagelsmann said. “Usually, their biggest strength is quick transition to attack.”

Union’s heavy legs may have indeed played a big role. Bayern, in the meantime, was fresh and dominant, which was perfectly illustrated by the fact that only two of their outfield players had an average positioning inside their own half.

In fact, it was the sort of performance that should calm down things at Bayern and ready the squad for what will be difficult weeks in the Bundesliga and Champions League. “If we play like we did today, it will be difficult to catch us,” Nagelsmann said. “A lot was talked about off the pitch during the week. But it’s about our own aspirations and what it means to be a Bayern player or coach. The medicine at Bayern is quite easy—if you win, it’s quiet.”

All five Bundesliga title contenders will now have a whole week to recover before the action resumes on Friday, with Dortmund hosting RB Leipzig. A big game that could conceivably eliminate the Red Bulls from the title race but also produce a significant setback for Dortmund, who have won every competitive fixture in 2023.

“Impressed? I don’t know,” Leon Goretzka said in the mixed zone after the game when asked about Dortmund’s recent run of form. “I’ve already said before the season that Dortmund is our main competitor. It’s still the case, and that’s a good thing. We’re prepared for everything.”

The stats provider Goalimpact, in the meantime, believes that Dortmund will be Bayern’s primary challenger down the road. Goalimpact believes there is a 39.4% chance of Dortmund winning the title, but Bayern remains with a 49.1% likelihood to finish first.

For Dortmund, the game against RB Leipzig, who are still in it, too, will be crucial. But Bayern has highlighted on several occasions this season that they are vulnerable. That means the door is open for the Black and Yellows but do not sleep on the likes of Union Berlin, RB Leipzig, or even Freiburg; all of those clubs are still in what is perhaps the most exciting title race in Europe at the moment.

Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth