Football

RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, two of the Bundesliga's most bitter rivals, face off on Saturday with Champions League qualification on the line. Leipzig holds a slim two-point advantage over Dortmund, with only the top four teams guaranteed a spot in Europe's premier club competition.The rivalry between the two clubs has been intense since Leipzig's promotion to the Bundesliga in 2016. Dortmund fans have accused Leipzig of being a "plastic club" due to its ownership by energy drink giant Red Bull. The animosity reached a peak in Leipzig's first match in Dortmund, where the Yellow Wall displayed a banner calling the newcomers "the shame of the league."Despite the rivalry, both Leipzig and Dortmund have established themselves as Bayern Munich's closest challengers in recent years. Since Leipzig's promotion, only once has neither team finished second behind Bayern.This season, Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as a surprise title contender, but Leipzig and Dortmund remain in the hunt for a top-four finish. Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been in impressive form, scoring in each of his past three matches."I always look at each game like it's my last," Sesko said. "But in this situation, you know what you're playing for. For me, it's not even pressure, it's more motivation."Leverkusen, already crowned Bundesliga champions, will look to maintain their unbeaten record when they host Stuttgart on Saturday. Xabi Alonso's side needs just four more games to become the first team to go through a Bundesliga season without losing.Bayern Munich, meanwhile, will seek revenge against Eintracht Frankfurt, who inflicted a humiliating 5-1 defeat on the Bavarians in December. The loss exposed the cracks in Bayern's squad under outgoing coach Thomas Tuchel.

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten streak extended to 45 games in all competitions after a dramatic 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. The Bundesliga champions-elect looked set to lose their unblemished record when Niclas Fuellkrug put Dortmund ahead with nine minutes remaining. However, Josip Stanisic's stoppage-time header from a corner salvaged a point for Leverkusen.Leverkusen's resilience has been a hallmark of their season, and they have now scored 14 goals after the 90th minute. Their determination to remain unbeaten is fueled by a desire to become the first team to go through a Bundesliga season without a loss."It's not easy to play when you're already champions, but we challenged ourselves to stay unbeaten this season and that's our goal," said Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka.The draw leaves Dortmund two points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig in the race for the final guaranteed Champions League place. However, Germany's strong performance in European competitions could secure a fifth spot for the Bundesliga.In other Bundesliga action, Mainz drew 1-1 at Freiburg to move out of the relegation zone for the first time since August. Jonathan Burkardt's equalizer canceled out Michael Gregoritsch's early strike, lifting Mainz to 15th place.Werder Bremen took a significant step towards top-flight survival with a 2-1 home win over Stuttgart. Marvin Ducksch scored a brace for Bremen, who moved eight points clear of the relegation play-off spot. Stuttgart's loss was their first since January, but they have already secured at least a Europa League place for next season.

Newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen face a formidable challenge in their pursuit of a perfect league season when they visit Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Despite their historic title triumph, Xabi Alonso's side has their sights set on several remarkable records.Leverkusen remains in contention for a treble, having reached the German Cup final and the Europa League semi-finals. They are the only German club other than Bayern Munich to have won the treble, which Bayern achieved in 2013 and 2020.In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen is still unbeaten with 25 wins and four draws in 29 games. They have also extended their undefeated streak to 44 matches across all competitions this season. No German club, including Bayern Munich, has ever gone through a league season without a loss, making Alonso's team five matches away from a unique achievement.With 79 points, Leverkusen is also within striking distance of breaking the all-time Bundesliga points tally of 91, set by Bayern in 2012-13. However, their trip to Dortmund represents their biggest hurdle in achieving these records.Dortmund, currently fifth in the standings, is a formidable opponent at home, especially after their impressive victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. Leverkusen was held to a 1-1 draw by Dortmund in December.Despite the celebrations following their title win, Alonso is confident that his team will not lose focus. "We had a few beers, but not too many," he said. "The players have not given me any reason to doubt them. We have the hunger and the desire to keep going non-stop."Dortmund, on the other hand, has its own motivations. With a two-legged semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, their European exploits could also benefit them in the league. Germany's chances of securing five spots in next season's Champions League have been boosted by Dortmund's win and Bayern's victory over Arsenal.While Dortmund may shift its focus to Europe, the opportunity to face a title winner other than Bayern will undoubtedly inspire them to deliver a strong performance.As for Bayern, pride is at stake in the league, as they are level on points with Stuttgart. They travel to Union Berlin on Saturday, who are still in danger of relegation and will be desperate for points.Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy was named Bundesliga player of the month for the second time this season. With 25 goals in 23 games, he is second only to Harry Kane in the scoring charts.

Borussia Dortmund staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Atletico Madrid 4-2 in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory and a first semi-final appearance since 2013.Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Dortmund started brightly and took the lead in the 34th minute through Julian Brandt, who collected a Mats Hummels chip and fired past Jan Oblak. Just five minutes later, Ian Maatsen doubled the advantage, threading in from an acute angle after being given space to run in the Atletico box.However, Atletico coach Diego Simeone made three changes at half-time, including bringing on Angel Correa, and his energy told immediately. Hummels conceded a poor own goal before Correa netted to put Atletico back ahead in the tie.Those goals seemed to jolt Dortmund back to life, and they scored twice in three minutes to retake the overall lead. Niclas Fuellkrug headed in a Marcel Sabitzer cross, and the Austrian midfielder then got a goal of his own, shooting through the Atletico defense and into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.Dortmund held on for a famous victory, sending them through to the semi-finals where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.

Borussia Dortmund, the 1997 Champions League winners and 2013 finalists, face an uphill battle as they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday. Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Madrid, Dortmund will need to summon the spirit of their Westfalenstadion fortress to overturn the deficit.Despite a poor start in Madrid, Dortmund composed themselves and were arguably the better side for the remaining 60 minutes. However, two defensive mistakes gifted Atletico the upper hand. Dortmund's trump card is their 80,000-strong Westfalenstadion, where they have not lost since November 2021.Dortmund have been impressive in Europe this season, topping a tough group containing PSG, Milan, and Newcastle. Their home form has been particularly impressive, with nine unbeaten games since November 2021. They have scored 15 goals and conceded just two in that time.While often unpredictable, Dortmund have been defensively solid under Terzic this season. However, they gifted two goals to Atletico in the first leg. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck and Mats Hummels will be hoping for a recall to the Germany squad ahead of Euro 2024 on home soil.Dortmund will be buoyed by Atletico's poor away form this season. Diego Simeone's men have won just five from 15 in the league and just one of four in Europe. They have not kept a clean sheet away from home.Dortmund thumped Atletico 4-0 the last time the sides met in Germany in 2018-19. However, present-day Dortmund under Terzic are less easy on the eye but have a fighting spirit similar to that of Simeone's best Atletico sides.This was exemplified in Saturday's hard-fought 2-1 win away to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Reduced to 10 men, Dortmund dug in and hung on for a crucial victory in their top-four bid.If Dortmund are to get past Atletico and into the Champions League semi-finals for the fourth time in their history, they will need to match the steel and grit of that performance against a team known for mastering those particular skills under Simeone.

Sébastien Haller's return to Borussia Dortmund's starting lineup was cut short on Saturday due to an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid.Haller, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, made his first Bundesliga start since September in Dortmund's match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, his comeback was short-lived as he twisted his left leg in a tackle just two minutes into the game.The Ivory Coast forward received treatment on the field before being replaced by Youssoufa Moukoko. The extent of Haller's injury is yet to be determined, but it is a major blow to Dortmund's hopes of progressing in the Champions League.Haller's injury woes have plagued his season since joining Dortmund from Ajax Amsterdam last summer. He missed the first half of the campaign after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and has struggled to regain full fitness since returning to action.Despite his injury setbacks, Haller has shown his importance to Dortmund, scoring a crucial late goal in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid. His absence would be a significant loss for the German club as they look to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg on Tuesday.Adding to Dortmund's injury concerns, English forward Jamie Bynoe-Gittens also left the field with a back problem. Coach Edin Terzić expressed optimism about Bynoe-Gittens' availability for the Atlético match, but Haller's participation remains in doubt.

Atletico Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday. The Spanish giants took an early lead through Rodrigo De Paul's fifth-minute strike, capitalizing on a defensive error by Dortmund's Ian Maatsen. Samuel Lino doubled Atletico's advantage in the 27th minute after another Dortmund defensive lapse, with Mats Hummels' misdirected header setting up the Brazilian forward.Despite Dortmund's improved performance in the second half, Atletico held on to their lead, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak making several crucial saves. Sebastien Haller pulled one back for the German side in the 81st minute, but it proved to be a consolation as Atletico emerged victorious.The victory gives Atletico a slight advantage heading into the second leg in Dortmund next week. However, Dortmund's late goal and improved second-half display suggest that the tie is far from over.Atletico's high press and aggressive approach proved too much for Dortmund in the opening stages. De Paul's early goal set the tone for the match, and Lino's second goal further solidified Atletico's dominance. Dortmund struggled to find their rhythm and create clear-cut chances, with Oblak rarely tested in the first half.Dortmund coach Edin Terzic made changes at halftime, bringing on Julian Brandt for Felix Nmecha in search of more attacking spark. The move paid off to some extent, as Dortmund improved their possession and created more chances. However, Oblak remained a formidable presence in the Atletico goal, denying Niclas Fuellkrug and Jadon Sancho.Haller's late goal gave Dortmund a lifeline, but Atletico held on for the win. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Brandt both hit the woodwork in the closing stages, but it was not enough to prevent Dortmund from suffering their first away defeat in four months.The victory is a significant step for Atletico, who are aiming to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017. However, Dortmund's second-half performance suggests that the tie is still very much in the balance.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Clash in Crucial Bundesliga MatchWith Bayer Leverkusen on the cusp of a historic Bundesliga title, the traditional powerhouses Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund face off in a highly anticipated match on Saturday. Despite Leverkusen's commanding lead, there is still much at stake for both sides.Bayern Munich, currently in second place, could find themselves 13 points behind Leverkusen if the latter wins their earlier match against Hoffenheim. A Leverkusen title would break Bayern's or Dortmund's dominance in the Bundesliga, which has lasted for over three decades.For Bayern, a loss at home to Dortmund would be their first since 2014. They will also be eager to maintain momentum ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal clash with Arsenal. While pride is on the line for Bayern, Dortmund's Champions League aspirations are in jeopardy.Fourth-placed Dortmund are just one point ahead of RB Leipzig and face the prospect of missing out on the top four. For a club heavily reliant on Champions League revenue, this would have significant consequences.Former Bayern captain Philipp Lahm believes the match will be a spectacle. "A rivalry has risen between Dortmund and Bayern. It's the Bundesliga, it's the match of the round on Saturday," Lahm said. "A lot is at stake, especially for Dortmund, because the Champions League is the minimal goal they want to achieve."Lahm welcomed Leverkusen's challenge, emphasizing the importance of competition in the Bundesliga. "It's very, very important that the Bundesliga is exciting again and that someone can push or even take over Bayern," he said.Bayern legend Lothar Matthaeus predicts his former side will continue their dominance. "The title race is over for Bayern Munich. This game is more important for Borussia Dortmund, but Bayern's DNA is to win each and every game -- and they'll do it again."One to Watch:Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)Kane, who missed England's friendlies due to an ankle injury, is fit and ready to face Dortmund. In his first 'Klassiker' appearance in November, he scored a hat-trick. Kane has 31 goals in 26 league games this season.Key Stats:* Bayer Leverkusen has 70 points with eight games remaining.* Third-placed Stuttgart has 56 points after 26 games.* Struggling Darmstadt has just 13 points this season.

Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the Champions League quarterfinals with a convincing 2-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their last 16 tie. Jadon Sancho's early strike and Marco Reus' late goal sealed the deal for the German giants, who advanced with a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.Dortmund, who reached the final in 2013, are back in the last eight for the first time in three years. They started the match with an impressive display, dominating possession and creating several chances. Sancho opened the scoring in the third minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from Julian Brandt to slot the ball into the bottom left corner.The home team continued to press forward, with Niclas Füllkrug and Donyell Malen missing good opportunities to extend their lead. PSV, however, gradually grew into the game and began to threaten Dortmund's goal. Gregor Kobel made several crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay.After the break, PSV emerged with renewed vigor, but Dortmund remained resolute in defense. Sancho was forced off injured in the 71st minute, but Reus came on in his place and made an immediate impact. He delivered a free kick that Füllkrug headed home, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.PSV captain Luuk de Jong missed a golden opportunity to equalize, while Kobel continued to deny the Dutch side. In the dying minutes, Reus sealed the win with a clinical finish, sending Dortmund into the quarterfinals with a comfortable margin.Dortmund coach Edin Terzić praised his team's performance in the first half but expressed disappointment with their second-half display. "We're looking forward to the next round because a big opponent awaits us," said Niclas Füllkrug, referring to Friday's quarterfinal draw.