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 have extended their remarkable unbeaten streak to 44 matches across all competitions after securing a place in the Europa League semi-finals. The German giants drew 1-1 with West Ham United in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, advancing 3-1 on aggregate.Michail Antonio gave the Hammers an early lead in the 13th minute, but Leverkusen fought back in the second half. Jeremie Frimpong's 89th-minute equalizer proved crucial, sending Xabi Alonso's side through to the last four.Leverkusen will now face AS Roma for a spot in the final. The Italian giants defeated Bodø/Glimt 4-0 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie."I think we felt it in the first half," said Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka after the match. "It was a typical English crowd. They were pushing West Ham unbelievably. We were lucky in the first half if we're honest.""It was a different phase in the second half, we controlled the game. We are happy we got through. We competed much more. If you see over 180 minutes, the better team go through."Leverkusen's triumph over West Ham marks a historic achievement for the club. Last weekend, they clinched their first Bundesliga title in over a decade, ending Bayern Munich's 11-year reign.The German side is now in contention for a treble trophy haul this season. They will face second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on May 25.

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.

Claudio Pizarro, the legendary Peruvian footballer, recently visited India for the first time, leaving an unforgettable mark on the country's football scene. During his brief two-day stay, Pizarro participated in a friendly match with the All Stars club, which included renowned actors and filmmakers.Pizarro's visit was part of Bundesliga's initiative to identify and nurture Indian football talent, in collaboration with Big-Hit. The former Bayern Munich star expressed his admiration for India's rich culture and history, expressing a desire to return for an extended stay.Despite retiring from professional football in 2020, Pizarro remains actively involved in the sport as a club ambassador for Bayern Munich. He has consciously chosen to avoid coaching roles, prioritizing time for himself and his family.Pizarro acknowledged his limited knowledge of Indian football but expressed keen interest in learning more. He praised the skills of Indian players, particularly Sunil Chhetri, and expressed his belief in the country's potential to develop football talent.When asked about his favorite English Premier League clubs, Pizarro revealed a preference for Chelsea, where he once played, and Manchester United, where he has friends. He expressed his admiration for both clubs and their rich history.Pizarro's visit to India has sparked excitement and enthusiasm among football enthusiasts. His presence has inspired aspiring footballers and highlighted the growing interest in the sport in the country.

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.

Bayer Leverkusen's relentless pursuit of their maiden Bundesliga title received a significant boost on Sunday as they secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Wolfsburg. The triumph extended their lead over Bayern Munich to 10 points, with nine games remaining in the season.Leverkusen's dominance was evident from the outset, and they were handed a major advantage when Wolfsburg's Moritz Jenz was sent off for a second yellow card after just 28 minutes. The hosts capitalized on their numerical superiority, with Nathan Tella heading in a delightful cross from Alex Grimaldo to open the scoring 11 minutes later.Florian Wirtz, who has been instrumental in Leverkusen's resurgence, added the second goal with four minutes remaining, ensuring all three points for his team. The victory marked Leverkusen's third consecutive league match where their opponents finished with 10 men, a testament to the relentless pressure applied by Xabi Alonso's high-energy football.Despite returning from a grueling Europa League match in Azerbaijan just two days prior, Leverkusen showed no signs of fatigue. Alonso made eight changes to keep his side fresh, and the hosts controlled the tempo of the game throughout.In other Bundesliga action, Freiburg maintained their Europa League hopes with a 2-1 win at Bochum. Michael Gregoritsch, who scored the only goal in Freiburg's first leg victory over West Ham, netted again to give his team the lead. Maximilian Eggestein doubled their advantage before Ivan Ordets pulled one back for Bochum.Eintracht Frankfurt extended their grip on sixth place with a 3-1 home victory over nine-man Hoffenheim. John Brooks opened the scoring for Hoffenheim but was later sent off for a last-man tackle. Frankfurt took full advantage, scoring three unanswered goals through Robin Koch, Eric Dina Ebimbe, and Mario Goetze. Hoffenheim's misery was compounded when Ozan Kabak was also shown a second yellow card.

Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho has been hailed by both his coach and sporting director after his stunning goal secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. The win keeps Dortmund in fourth place in the Bundesliga, on track for Champions League qualification next season.Sancho's goal, his first since returning to Dortmund on loan from Manchester United in January, was a trademark solo effort that showcased his exceptional dribbling skills and clinical finishing. The England winger received the ball on the left flank, danced past several Bremen defenders, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner."Doing something like that, you can of course see what a great footballer he is," said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. "You can see how he can make the difference, especially in one-on-one situations."Sancho's goal put Dortmund 2-0 up, but the visitors were forced to hold on for a narrow victory after Marcel Sabitzer was sent off with a straight red card shortly after. It was Sancho's first goal in eight matches since returning to the side and his first in Dortmund colors in 1,031 days, dating back to May 2021.Kehl, who played a key role in bringing Sancho back to the club, said the 23-year-old was "rewarded" for his hard work. "Everyone is happy for Jadon because they saw how hard he was working and how willing he was to help the team. Goals help. He's had one or two assists before, but this goal will help him and give him a boost."Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, who was in charge when the Black and Yellows won the German Cup in 2021 thanks to two goals from Sancho, praised the winger's performance. "It's an example of what he's capable of and hopefully he can continue like this. He's not limiting himself to scoring a goal -- it was his entire performance. We know he's not 100 percent, there's no way he can be (after a long layoff). But we'll get him there."Kehl compared Sancho's return to a player returning from injury and said Dortmund would need the winger in Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg at home to PSV Eindhoven. "You should not forget that he didn't play for a long time. It's like when a player has a cruciate ligament injury and is out for a long time. We need him and we will again on Wednesday and for the coming weeks."Dortmund drew 1-1 in the first leg in the Netherlands and need a win to ensure progression to the quarter finals.

Bayer Leverkusen has extended its dominance at the summit of the Bundesliga, securing a 2-0 victory over 10-man Cologne. This triumph has widened the gap between Leverkusen and Bayern Munich to a significant 10 points.Leverkusen's manager, Xabi Alonso, acknowledged the importance of this victory, stating, "Ten points are a lot, but it's not over yet." He emphasized the need for continued focus and determination, recognizing that the title race is far from decided.Leverkusen's unbeaten streak in all competitions now stands at an impressive 34 games, a German record. Their victory over Cologne was hard-fought, with the home team playing with 10 men from the 15th minute after Jan Thielmann was sent off for a reckless challenge on Granit Xhaka.Despite the numerical disadvantage, Cologne put up a spirited fight, hitting the post twice. However, Leverkusen's quality ultimately prevailed. Jeremie Frimpong opened the scoring in the 38th minute, tapping in a cross from Alejandro Grimaldo. Grimaldo himself sealed the victory in the 73rd minute, squeezing the ball in at the near post after a fine assist from Amine Adli.Alonso praised his team's patience and control, saying, "We controlled the counter-attacks and were unlucky not to get the goals. In the end, we had patience and got the goals."Cologne, currently in the relegation play-off spot, remains eight points adrift of safety. Despite their valiant effort, they were unable to overcome the deficit created by Thielmann's red card.In another Bundesliga match on Sunday, Hoffenheim secured a 2-1 win over Werder Bremen thanks to a first-half double from Maximilian Beier.