FC Bayern and RB Leipzig meet competitively for only the second time on Saturday. The sole previous meeting came when the two sides were level on points earlier in the season, with the record champions winning 3-0. The promoted side have never been closer than three points behind FCB since then. Here are some more facts and figures for the top-of-the-table clash on Matchday 33.
Leipzig seeking new record
FC Bayern collected 67 points (converted) in their debut Bundesliga season in 1965/66, which remains the highest ever tally for a Bundesliga debutant. This record is under threat, though, as Leipzig are currently on 66 points. One more win or two draws in their final two games will see the Bulls surpass FCB. They could also set a new record for a promoted side. Kaiserslautern are the current holders with 68 points in their title-winning 1997/98 season.
Good travellers
With 36 points FC Bayern have the best away record in the league. To put that in context, second-placed Leipzig are next-best with 28 points, and no other side has collected more than 20 points away from home this season.
Strong in Saxony
RB Leipzig have gone 441 minutes without conceding a goal at home – that’s almost five matches and is their longest run of clean sheets in their short Bundesliga history. Leipzig are joint-second with Hoffenheim in the home table on 38 points, behind FCB and Borussia Dortmund who both have 40.
No gifts for newcomers
It’s been nearly 17 years since FC Bayern lost to a club playing its first season in the Bundesliga. In October 2000 the Reds lost 1-0 at Energie Cottbus. Since then they’ve recorded 13 wins and one draw (2-2 against Hoffenheim) against debutants.
Lucky mascot Starke
Tom Starke saved a penalty shortly before full time against Darmstadt last weekend to secure the win for Bayern. It was his second penalty save for Bayern – in his second attempt! The shot-stopper has an impressive record in an FCB jersey. Five of his six Bundesliga appearances have ended in victory, all of them to nil. The only Bundesliga goals he’s conceded for Bayern came during a 3-3 draw against his former club Hoffenheim in March 2014.
Stieler in charge
The referee for Saturday’s match is Tobias Stieler, who’ll be officiating his third Bayern game of the season. The 35 year-old was also in charge for the 1-0 defeat in Dortmund as well as the 1-0 victory at Gladbach. He’ll be assisted in Leizig by Sascha Thielert and Dr. Matthias Jöllenbeck, with Sven Jablonski as fourth official.
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