As title races across Europe wrap themselves up, the fight for the Bundesliga trophy continues to hold fans on the edge of their seat. Going into the final fixture, Bayern Munich, leaders for most of the season, have fallen two points behind rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Saturday, 27th May, will see the Bavarians take on FC Koln. Anything less than a win and Borussia Dortmund clinch the league title over Munich for the first time in a decade.
While Bayern will remain firm favourites, Koln are coming into the fixture off a good run of form, winning three of their last five and losing just once. Though the Cologne-based side have little to play for themselves, they may take some pride in impacting the end of Bayern's destructive reign. That being said, Dortmund are a local derby for FC Koln and seeing them lift the Bulli title would be bittersweet.
Regardless of the result between Munich and Cologne, Jude Bellingham and his Dortmund side hold the title in their own hands. A win over Mainz secures Die Borussen their first league triumph since the iconic reign of Jurgen Klopp, a feat that should harbour great respect for current manager Edin Terzic.
Losing four of their last five, Mainz won't be full of confidence entering their final match week. Similarly to FC Koln, they have little to play for, sitting safe from relegation but out of reach from Europe. Nonetheless, Mainz heroically beat Bayern Munich to give Dortmund their golden ticket. Failing to treat FC Koln with the respect they deserve could prove fatal.
If Die Borussen draw with Mainz and Bayern beat FC Koln, the Bavarians will triumph via goal difference. Arguably, the most painful way to lose a league title.
Dortmund and Bayern have been struggling over the league title since September. Saturday, 27th May, will provide an equally exciting end to a rollercoaster of a season and help to bring German football back into the limelight of Europe. Labelled a 'farmers league', the ascension of Erling Haaland in the EPL and the tooth-and-nail title race between Germany's top two have made a strong case proving otherwise.
The final day of the Bundesliga should be on every fan's agenda this weekend. Let us know who you think will clinch the title!
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