Matchday 9 sees FC Bayern travel to VfB Stuttgart in a southern Germany clash. The two sides meet for the 103rd time in the Bundesliga on Saturday, making it one of the most played fixtures in the top flight. That’s not the only interesting match taking place this weekend, though - fcbayern.com rounds up the games involving the German record champions’ nearest challengers and next opponents.
Borussia Dortmund vs 1. FC Köln
Kick-off: Saturday 28 November 2020, 15:30 CET
Significance: Bayern’s closest pursuers Dortmund host second-from-bottom Köln at Signal-Iduna-Park. BVB, who have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions (3-2 against Bayern), are lurking just one point behind the record champions in second place, so nothing less than a win will do against the Billy Goats, who are winless in 18 league matches.
Key stats: Borussia are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Köln, wining the last four. You have to go back to April 1991 for the Rhineland club’s last success in Dortmund, since which they’ve suffered 16 losses in 20 games.
Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is the man of the hour for the Black and Yellows right now, with 11 goals in his last seven games. Overall he’s netted 23 times in his first 22 Bundesliga games, something no other player has ever achieved.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hertha BSC
Riding a wave: Bayer Leverkusen have won their last five games and remain unbeaten this season.
Kick-off: Sunday 29 November 2020, 15:30 CET
Significance: The Werkself are level on points with Borussia Dortmund in third going into Sunday’s match at home to 13th-placed Hertha BSC. Before that, they’re in action in the Europa League group stage against Hapoel Beer-Sheva on Thursday evening.
Hertha, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from their 5-2 beating at home to Dortmund last week. With seven points from the first eight matchdays, it’s been a disappointing start to the campaign for the Old Lady.
Key stats: Bayer Leverkusen are the in-form team in the Bundesliga currently. The Werkself have won their last five games and are unbeaten in nine matches going back to the end of last season. However, their last defeat came against none other than Hertha, who have collected six of their seven points on the road this term (W2 D1).
RB Leizig vs Arminia Bielefeld
RB Leipzig have already notched five wins in the league this season, although they only managed a 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt last Saturday.
Kick-off: Saturday 28 November 2020, 15:30 CET
Significance: Behind the top three of Bayern, Dortmund and Leverkusen lie RB Leipzig in fourth place, two points behind the record champions, who welcome the Saxony side to the Allianz Arena on Matchday 10. Before that, Leipzig will be aiming to stay within touching distance with a win at home to promoted Arminia Bielefeld. Julian Nagelsmann’s side's record this season reads five wins, two draws and one defeat, whereas Bielefeld have lost six and won just one of their eight games.
Key stats: Leipzig and Bielefeld are meeting for the first time in the German top flight on Saturday. The Red Bulls have won all four of their home matches in the current campaign, scoring at least two goals in every one. With five goals conceded, they also boast the joint best defence in the league – together with Wolfsburg.
At the other end, Bielefeld have been the most shot-shy team in the league with five goals scored and 61 attempts on goal (joint with Schalke 04).
FC Valencia vs Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid occupy second spot in La Liga, three points behind leaders Real Sociedad but with two games in hand.
Kick-off: Saturday 28 November 2020, 16:15 CET
Significance: In between Stuttgart and Leipzig, there’s the reverse fixture at Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on the programme. Before that, Los Colchoneros face a tricky trip to Valencia in La Liga. After a slightly stuttering start, Atlético have settled down and won each of their last five league games, including a 1-0 success over Barcelona last week.
Key stats: With six wins and two draws, Diego Simeone’s charges are the only unbeaten team left in Spain’s top flight. Another victory over ninth-placed Valencia could take Atléti above Real Sociedad into top spot – at least until Sunday evening – despite having played two games less. The record between the two teams is even, with 57 wins for Valencia, 59 for Atlético and 44 draws.
Matchday 9 overview
Friday, 27.11.2020 | 20:30 CET
VfL Wolfsburg vs Werder Bremen
Saturday, 28.11.2020 | 15:30 CET
Borussia Dortmund vs 1. FC Köln
RB Leipzig vs DSC Arminia Bielefeld
1. FC Union Berlin vs Eintracht Frankfurt
FC Augsburg vs SC Freiburg
VfB Stuttgart vs FC Bayern
Saturday, 28.11.2020 | 18:30 CET
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs FC Schalke 04
Sunday, 29.11.2020 | 15:30 CET
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Hertha BSC
Sunday, 29.11.2020 | 18:00 CET
1. FSV Mainz 05 vs TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
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