The German Bundesliga title previously looked sewn up by Bayern Munich earlier on in the season, but wealthy Wolfsburg have hit some incredible form over the last few months to become Bayern’s only genuine competition for the league crown at the business end to the campaign.
Bayern, managed by Pep Guardiola, are back-to-back Bundesliga title winners, and found themselves 11 points clear of second place after the last round of league games in 2014. But Wolfsburg have narrowed the deficit since then, beating the holders after the winter break, while extending their unbeaten run to eight games.
The German giants have spent in the January transfer window on attacking talent, and it seems to be having the desired effect so far. Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga title in 2008/09, but that remains their only top-four finish in more than 15 years.
Current head coach Dieter Hecking has been in charge for three years, in which time he’s finished 11th in his first season (2012/13) and 5th last season (2013/14). Many felt the German Bundesliga had lost all excitement due to Bayern’s dominance, but Wolfsburg could well cause the biggest shock of the European leagues by toppling the back-to-back winners.
Wolfsburg 4-1 win against Bayern in January sent shockwaves through Europe, and was the first defeat Guardiola‘s men had suffered in the league all season. The Wolves are a growing team considerably benefiting from financial intervention, and are starting to believe the title is now a two-horse race.
The Bayern manager is certainly feeling Wolfsburg breathing down his neck, and recently said: “Wolfsburg will be our biggest rivals (for the Bundesliga title). I have no doubt about it that they are our main challengers.”
Spending £24M to sign Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle was a statement of intent from a side who aren’t settling on just a top-four finish this season. Bayern have dropped points in two of their three games played since the winter break, so hardly spectacular, while their title rivals go from strength to strength in contrast. Bayern and Wolfsburg have nearly identical home form this season. The latter have played a game more and have amassed an extra point, while both are still unbeaten in front of their own fans. It’s the Wolves’ away performances that have seen them with ground to make up on Bayern.
One win from their last four away games highlights their problems, but a win in their next away game to Bayer Leverkusen would be a huge statement of intent. The German Bundesliga title race is far from over this season thanks to Wolfsburg resurgence, but could they go all the way?
