Bayern Munich had a fantastic finish to the 2019/2020 campaign as they won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble while going unbeaten for 30 games across all competitions. Their unbeaten streak ended at 32 matches after a disappointing 4-1 loss at Hoffenheim in September, but that was their only defeat of 2020.
Since the turn of the year, Hansi Flick’s side have suffered a couple of setbacks. The club succumbed to a surprise 3-2 league defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach where they were 2-0 ahead at the midway mark. However, the most shocking result came against second-tier Holstein Kiel, who eliminated them from the DFB-Pokal second round on penalties.
The defeat was definitely a wake-up call for the Bavarian giants and there has been an immediate reaction with three league wins on the bounce where they have kept two clean sheets, something which they have struggled to do over the past few months. Bayern have not been at their vintage best this term, but they still find themselves cruising at the top of the league standings with a seven-point lead over RB Leipzig, with Manuel Neuer setting the Bundesliga clean sheets record in the process.
Considering their mixed fortunes at the back, there is every chance that they may drop more points during the remaining 16 league games, but it appears unlikely that the chasing pack may catch up, given they have been unable to capitalise on Bayern’s shortcomings this term, something which has become a trend over the past eight years.
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Hence, the club should be able to lift their Bundesliga title for the ninth season running, but the same may not be the case in Europe. Bayern have been drawn against Lazio for the round of 16 of the Champions League and on paper, they should be able to come up trumps with the better attacking options within the squad. If you are a fan of European football and fancy betting, then the best international betting sites have great odds for upcoming matches, especially for Champions League games involving Bayern.
Bayern should make progress to at least the final four of the elite competition, but there are question marks whether they can show the same defensive resolve from last season. Prior to the recent clean sheets, Bayern had managed just one from the previous 17 matches across all competitions while conceding two or more goals on seven occasions.
With such a leaky backline, they could find themselves in danger on surrendering their European crown. Bayern have shown an improvement recently and the fans will be hoping that they can sustain the form when the knockout phase begins. Only Real Madrid have managed to defend the Champions League title in the modern era and Bayern will be hoping to join them by winning the competition for the seventh time.
However, regardless of how whether Bayern defend their crown in Europe or fail trying, one thing is certain – Bayern are the third-richest club in the world, and this wealth will ensure that they keep revitalizing their squad to dominate the Bundesliga and the Champions League for years to come.
