Bundesliga Matchday 33: Cologne May Have Lost Hope, Mainz Could Benefit from Five Champions League Spots

The Bundesliga continues its intense run as we head into Matchday 33 on the evening of May 11th, Beijing time. This stage of the season sees teams either fighting for survival or pushing for European spots, and this week’s fixtures are no exception. Cologne is struggling with relegation, and their fans might have already accepted their fate. Meanwhile, with Bundesliga securing five Champions League spots next season, Dortmund can temporarily ease their domestic league pressure. This relaxed approach might see them going easy on Mainz, who are in desperate need of points.

Cologne vs. Union Berlin - Can the Lowest Scoring Team Survive?

Is Cologne still fighting to avoid relegation? It appears they might not be. Their primary aim might just be to stretch their survival hopes to the final matchday. Considering they have only managed one win in their last 13 league games, the Billy Goats' fans might already be bracing themselves for relegation. The Bundesliga is known for its attacking style, and any team that scores the fewest goals yet manages to avoid finishing last can consider it a success. Unfortunately, Cologne fits this bill all too well, currently having scored even fewer goals than the bottom-placed Darmstadt by six goals. It's unlikely they'll even hit the 30-goal mark by the season's end. The last team with such a poor attacking record to achieve a relegation miracle was Hamburg in the 2014-2015 season. Cologne might not be so lucky.

Union Berlin supporters initially thought Croatian coach Nenad Bjelica was the right man for the job. Indeed, he managed to secure five wins in his first ten league games, lifting Union Berlin out of the relegation zone by mid-season. However, the recent run of form has been disappointing, with just one win in the last ten matches and a mere two points from the last six games. After losing to fellow relegation rivals Bochum in the previous round, Union Berlin had to part ways with Bjelica, while Bochum is nearly safe.

Most teams trailing 0-3 at halftime would lose all morale in the second half. However, Union Berlin's players showed a fighting spirit to defend their coach, scoring two goals in the second half and almost snatching a point, only to ultimately lose 3-4. Interim coach Andreas Grot, who previously led the U19 team, has been reappointed, largely due to his good rapport with the players. Cologne has never beaten Union Berlin in the Bundesliga era, and even with home advantage, they might not know how to capitalize on it. Union Berlin could potentially exert just a small fraction of their capabilities and still come out on top.

Mainz vs. Borussia Dortmund - A Favorable Encounter?

After an 8-1 thrashing by Bayern Munich, Mainz's form has remarkably rebounded. They have remained unbeaten in their last seven matches, securing three consecutive home wins along the way, even though they have only managed five wins in 32 matches this season. Unfortunately, the damage was already done earlier in the season, and Mainz still find themselves outside the safety zone. Their last three games have all ended in 1-1 draws, with Mainz taking the lead in two of those matches. The most frustrating result was a late equalizer by Cologne, preventing Mainz from avoiding direct relegation ahead of schedule.

With five Champions League spots now secured for the Bundesliga, Dortmund fans can breathe a sigh of relief. If there were only four spots, the double-duty season finale would almost certainly see them lose out to RB Leipzig. May has been a lucky month for Dortmund, with three consecutive wins so far. By the end of the season, they might not even care about securing the fifth Champions League spot, especially since they just knocked out Paris Saint-Germain. PSG's 30 shots on goal were all thwarted by Dortmund’s players and the woodwork, showcasing their remarkable fortune.

Mainz have lost their last four home games against Dortmund, but Dortmund, fresh off a massive European clash, might not be fully recovered. With their eyes set on the Champions League final, Dortmund could take it easy in this match, preserving their energy and allowing Mainz to potentially capitalize and secure a vital point.

Cologne’s Dismal Season and Prospects

Cologne’s season has been a tale of missed opportunities and a lack of offensive firepower. Their dismal run, with just one win in the last 13 matches, highlights their struggle. The team’s inability to score goals has been a significant factor in their poor performance. Key players like Anthony Modeste and Mark Uth have failed to deliver consistently, leading to their precarious position. Coach Steffen Baumgart has tried various tactical adjustments, but nothing has seemed to work for Cologne this season.

Their home game against Union Berlin is crucial, but history is not on their side. Cologne has never beaten Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, and their current form suggests this trend is unlikely to change. The team’s morale is low, and the fans’ hopes are diminishing with each passing game. However, football is unpredictable, and a glimmer of hope remains if they can pull off a surprise win.

Union Berlin’s Tactical and Form Woes

Union Berlin's season has been a roller-coaster. After a promising start under Bjelica, their form has dipped dramatically. Their recent run of one win in ten matches has put them in a perilous position. The departure of Bjelica and the appointment of interim coach Andreas Grot might provide a short-term boost, but long-term stability is still in question. Grot’s familiarity with the players might help, but tactical adjustments are needed to turn their fortunes around.

Union Berlin’s attacking strategy has been inconsistent. Key players like Max Kruse and Taiwo Awoniyi need to step up and deliver in these crucial matches. The team’s defense has also been leaky, conceding crucial goals at inopportune moments. A win against Cologne could provide the much-needed momentum to secure their Bundesliga status for another season.

Mainz’s Resurgence and Strategic Outlook

Mainz’s recent resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. After a humiliating defeat to Bayern Munich, the team has shown great resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last seven matches. Their three consecutive home wins are a testament to their fighting spirit. Coach Bo Svensson has instilled a sense of belief in the squad, and players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Karim Onisiwo have been pivotal in their turnaround.

However, Mainz’s earlier poor form means they are still fighting to escape relegation. Their last three 1-1 draws indicate a team that can compete but struggles to close out games. The upcoming match against Dortmund is crucial. Mainz have lost their last four home games against Dortmund, but they can take advantage of a potentially fatigued Dortmund side. Tactical discipline and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be key for Mainz in this fixture.

Dortmund’s Focus on European Glory

Borussia Dortmund’s season has been a mix of highs and lows. Securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals has been a significant achievement, and with five Bundesliga teams guaranteed a spot in the Champions League next season, their domestic pressure has eased. This relief might allow them to rotate their squad and rest key players for the upcoming European fixtures.

Dortmund’s recent form in the Bundesliga has been impressive, with three consecutive wins in May. However, their focus is clearly on the Champions League final. This shift in priority might see them field a weakened side against Mainz, providing an opportunity for the hosts. Players like Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho might be rested, giving fringe players a chance to prove their worth.

Conclusion

As we approach Matchday 33 of the Bundesliga, the stakes are high for teams at both ends of the table. Cologne faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation, with their dismal form and lack of goals posing significant challenges. Union Berlin needs to find their early-season form to secure their Bundesliga status. Mainz, on the other hand, will look to continue their resurgence and capitalize on a potentially distracted Dortmund side. The five Champions League spots have eased Dortmund’s domestic pressure, allowing them to focus on their European ambitions. The remaining fixtures promise intense battles, where every goal, save, and tactical decision could determine the fate of these teams.