Borussia Dortmund: The Best of the Rest In Germany?

Bayern Munich have been the dominant force in German football for some time. With 13 titles since the beginning of the 1998/99 campaign, the Bavarians have had a firm grip on domestic football in Germany.

This season, Jupp Heynckes’ side have been a class above their rivals once again – Bayern are 19 points clear at the top of the table.

However, the battle to finish second is fierce; three points is the difference between sixth position and second spot.

Borussia Dortmund are currently sitting pretty in second but that could all change in the blink of an eye. All four of their rivals have the capability to string a positive run of results together and it would be foolish to rule any of them out just yet. Dortmund have the recent experience, the class and the strength in depth to cope with the expected onslaught, though – the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig may struggle to keep pace as the race to secure Champions League football heats up.

Peter Stoger’s side are unbeaten in nine Bundesliga matches and plenty of punters will fancy Dortmund to pull away in the battle for second spot. Their schedule is not easy though, trips to Leipzig, Bayern and Schalke may scupper their plans and it could go down to the final day of the 2017/18 season. Dortmund are in control of their own destiny at this moment in time but the German giants cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. All four of their rivals will be quietly confident of snatching second place.

Leipzig and Dortmund have Europa League commitments and both clubs will need to make a quick decision on whether to push for glory in Europe’s secondary club competition. A win in this tournament would guarantee Champions League football next season and the lure of such a lucrative prize may tempt Germany’s representing clubs to go all out for victory. Both teams have the quality to go deep into the competition but Dortmund are perhaps better equipped to go on and lift the trophy on May 16.

Winning silverware in the Lyon showpiece would be delightful for Dortmund fans and Stoger will be keen to maintain momentum in both competitions. Their recent Bundesliga record speaks volumes – Dortmund have the quality to fend off their rivals. At the time of writing, Stoger’s side are 2/9 to finish in the top four in Bundesliga betting odds but Dortmund fans will want to claim that runner-up position behind Bayern. Second and a Europa League win would constitute a great season.

Bayern Munich are still the most complete side in German football by some distance but Dortmund can be the best of the rest. Stoger’s men are not the finished article just yet but a second-place finish and Europa League victory would certainly sit well with their passionate fan base. Borussia Dortmund are heading in the right direction and it would be foolish to back against the German giants, even with the likes of Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig closing in.