Bundesliga Round 21: Dortmund Brewing a Big Win, Leipzig Can't Afford to Overlook Real Madrid

As the Bundesliga enters its 21st round, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig face critical matches that could shape their fortunes in the league and beyond. Dortmund aims to solidify their position in the Champions League spots with a decisive victory over SC Freiburg, while Leipzig must juggle the demands of securing a top-four finish and preparing for their upcoming Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Both teams face unique challenges and opportunities in this crucial stage of the season.

Borussia Dortmund vs. SC Freiburg: Another High-Scoring Affair?

Dortmund’s recent form against Freiburg has been nothing short of dominant, having secured comprehensive victories in their last four encounters. As they prepare to face Freiburg again, their objective is clear: secure a big win to maintain their place in the Champions League qualification zone ahead of their upcoming European fixtures.

Last weekend, Dortmund experienced a surprising setback, being held to a draw by newly promoted Heidenheim. This result narrowed their lead over fifth-placed Leipzig to just one point. With the Champions League knockout stages looming, Dortmund needs to extend this margin to ensure they can focus on their upcoming clash against PSV Eindhoven with a greater sense of security. Competing with Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title seems a daunting task, one that Leverkusen may have to tackle instead.

Before their stumble against Heidenheim, Dortmund enjoyed a perfect start to 2024, winning three consecutive matches against relegation-threatened sides, each with a margin of at least three goals. However, Heidenheim, fresh from a successful run that saw them climb out of the relegation zone with a series of victories at the end of last year, proved to be a tougher opponent. Despite their chaotic attacking style, Heidenheim managed to disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm, keeping the match tense and tightly controlled. Dortmund’s defense, wary of potential fluke goals or deflections, had to stay vigilant throughout.

Historically, Dortmund has struggled against stronger opponents this season, making their current position in the top four commendable. Freiburg, on the other hand, has been juggling commitments in both the Bundesliga and the Europa League. Their ability to advance from the group stage in Europe while maintaining pressure on the Bundesliga’s Champions League spots is impressive. However, Freiburg’s recent form has dipped, suffering consecutive 1-3 losses to Werder Bremen and Stuttgart, both within the first ten minutes of play. Although Japanese winger Ritsu Doan has returned from the Asian Cup, Freiburg’s primary concern remains their defensive frailties.

Given Dortmund’s dominant record against Freiburg, it’s hard to envision a different outcome this time around. Dortmund is poised to secure another emphatic victory, potentially winning 4-1.

FC Augsburg vs. RB Leipzig: Was Letting Werner Go the Right Decision?

FC Augsburg currently sits seven points clear of the relegation zone, giving them a relatively comfortable cushion. Their recent match against Bochum, a critical “six-pointer” in the relegation battle, saw both teams approach the game cautiously. Bochum’s early aggressiveness paid off with a goal in the 33rd minute, but Augsburg remained patient and managed to equalize through a stoppage-time penalty.

Leipzig, meanwhile, ended a dismal run of three consecutive defeats to start 2024 with a crucial victory over Union Berlin last weekend. Although their losses came against strong opponents, a peak-form Leipzig would have been expected to perform better. This season, however, Leipzig’s inconsistent form has put their Champions League qualification for next season at risk.

A significant talking point for Leipzig has been the form of Timo Werner. While Werner has managed to contribute assists in the Premier League, his impact at Leipzig has been minimal since his return. This raises questions about the club’s decision to bring him back. Despite these concerns, Leipzig now faces another relegation-battling side in Augsburg, presenting an excellent opportunity to pick up vital points.

With a crucial Champions League Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid on the horizon, Leipzig cannot afford to rest too many players against Augsburg. In their last two home matches against Leipzig, Augsburg has managed to take points, suggesting they could once again prove a tough opponent. A 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome for this encounter.

Dortmund’s Strategic Play and Freiburg’s Struggles

Dortmund’s recent match against Heidenheim highlighted their vulnerability against well-organized teams. Despite dominating possession, Dortmund struggled to impose their tempo on the game, allowing Heidenheim to control the pace. This highlighted Dortmund’s need for more clinical finishing and better game management, especially against teams that can disrupt their flow.

Freiburg, on the other hand, needs to address their defensive lapses. Early goals have been their undoing in recent matches, and against a high-scoring team like Dortmund, such vulnerabilities could prove fatal. Freiburg’s double duty in the Bundesliga and Europa League has stretched their squad, making it imperative for them to tighten their defense and find a way to balance their commitments.

Leipzig’s Balancing Act

Leipzig’s season has been a rollercoaster. After a promising start, they hit a rough patch in early 2024. Their win against Union Berlin was a step in the right direction, but consistency remains key. With the shadow of Real Madrid looming, Leipzig must find a way to maintain focus in the Bundesliga while preparing for one of the toughest challenges in European football.

Werner’s situation is particularly intriguing. Once a prolific scorer for Leipzig, his return has not lived up to expectations. The club’s decision to bring him back is under scrutiny, especially as they struggle for form. Werner’s ability to rediscover his touch could be crucial for Leipzig’s hopes both domestically and in Europe.

Augsburg’s Resilience

Augsburg’s approach against Bochum showed a team aware of its limitations but capable of grinding out results. Their patient play paid off, and they will need a similar approach against Leipzig. With the cushion they have over the relegation zone, Augsburg can afford to play with less pressure, potentially making them a dangerous opponent for a Leipzig side juggling multiple priorities.

Conclusion

As Bundesliga’s 21st round unfolds, Dortmund and Leipzig find themselves at critical junctures. Dortmund’s quest for a comfortable top-four spot and Leipzig’s battle for Champions League qualification amidst European commitments set the stage for intriguing matches. Both teams have the talent and potential to secure important victories, but they must navigate their challenges with precision and focus.

For Dortmund, maintaining their high-scoring form against Freiburg is essential. For Leipzig, balancing their domestic and European ambitions while addressing key player performances like Werner’s will be crucial. These matches not only impact their current standings but also shape their momentum heading into the decisive phases of the season.