Barring a major stumble in the Bundesliga’s final seven games, Bayern Munich, which is nine points clear at the top, should reclaim its spot at the top of German football.
After last season’s disappointing fourth-place finish and a ending up being on the outside looking in on Champions League action, the club reloaded to make sure its dip did not last long.
In came Franck Ribery, Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose. Bayern had built a squad that could compete not only in Germany, but seemingly against any side in Europe. However, winning the Bundesliga is not enough, that was merely expected.
Playing in Europe’s second-tier tournament, the UEFA Cup, Bayern must complete the double to reestablish itself as one of Europe’s most powerful side. It would be a sign that Bayern took its fall to heart and is reaffirming itself as Germany’s top club.
Schalke 04 had a nice run in the Champions League before falling to Barcelona, but to match the firepower, depth and skill of Europe’s top sides will take Bayern’s doing.
So you can see why tying Getafe and giving away an all important away goal in the 91st minute could be so troubling to Bayern. Getafe is currently in 11th place in La Liga and has a minus-2 goal differential. A draw at home on April 10 would see Getafe through to the semifinals and send Bayern home with only the Bundesliga to hang its hat on for the season. If Bayern make it through the possibility of facing Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg awaits and then either Rangers, Sporting, Fiorentina or PSV in the finals. Not exactly a murders’ row of European greatness.
Bayern Munich is a name associated with greatness and it needs to win the UEFA Cup to help make sure it stays that way.
