Bayern Munich / AFP PHOTO / Christof STACHE
Bayern Munich’s trip to Bremen on the weekend sees them return to a club that once – together with the team from the Bavarian capital – dominated the Bundesliga.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Werder Bremen were considered Bayern’s main rivals and the two clubs were involved in many a spectacular game against each other.
Since then, their fortunes have gone in somewhat opposite directions, as the current champions, Bayern are looking for a sixth consecutive title, while Bremen have been struggling against relegation for much of the same time.
As champions, Bayern Munich had the honour of opening the season last Friday and goals by new signings, Niklas Suele and Corentin Tolisso, as well as Robert Lewandowski, gave them a convincing 3-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen, while Bremen got their season underway with a 1-0 defeat in Hoffenheim.
Recent matches between the two have predominantly gone the way of Bayern. The last time Bremen beat Bayern was in September 2008, when they won 5-2 in Munich. Since then, they have lost 14 times in the Bundesliga, with three drawn matches. Astonishingly, Bremen have lost their last 13 Bundesliga games against Bayern.
But even if everything clearly points towards another Bayern victory, Bremen captain, Thomas Delaney believes his team is not without a chance.
“If you look at it objectively, Bayern should win. But it will not be easy for them. Last years’ game makes us optimistic (Bayern struggled in Bremen for a 2-1 win). We won our opening cup game this season, which in Bremen is not always the case. There is no reason not to be optimistic.”
We also rather face Bayern now at the start of the season, than at the end when they have something to play for.”
Saturday’s match in the Weserstadion is this week’s highlighted game for African Bundesliga fans, who will have the chance to see it live and exclusive at 15:30 CAT on StarTimes World Football channel 245 and 254.
The Media Division Sports Director of StarTimes, Cole He Xin said the opening matches of the Bundesliga again showed why the league is so popular throughout the world.
“The stadiums are packed, you have exciting matches and brilliant players, many of whom play for Bayern Munich. The game on Saturday will see a sold-out Weserstadion and a home side that is determined to end their run of defeats against Bayern,” he said.
He added that the game between the two erstwhile rivals is not the only great match football fans can see. “You have Dortmund against Hertha Berlin, or Leverkusen against Hoffenheim, as well as several other top matches. I am sure I am not the only one who wants to watch all the games.”
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