The Unstoppable Quest: Harry Kane's Bayern Munich Aims for Historic 12th Consecutive Bundesliga Title

Kane gain but Bayern face 'keeper conundrum

The result:

In a disappointing turn of events, the German champions suffered a 3-0 defeat against Leipzig, as they relied on 35-year-old Sven Ulreich, who was often considered as the club's third choice last season. This defeat dampened the spirits following the exciting acquisition of Harry Kane.

Werder Bremen

Bayern Munich

Friday 18th August 7:15pm

Kick off 7:30pm

With Manuel Neuer, the team's starting goalkeeper, expected to be out at the beginning of the season due to a broken leg, Alexander Nubel's departure to Stuttgart, and Yann Sommer's move to Inter Milan, Bayern Munich now faces a lack of alternative choices.

Neuer sustained his injury while skiing in December. He recently underwent a second surgery to remove metal parts from his leg, which were inserted during the initial operation. Bayern has stated that Neuer's recovery is progressing well. However, no specific return date has been announced, and it is certain that he will miss a significant portion of the upcoming season.

The scenes that greeted Borussia Dortmund's failure to capture the Bundesliga title on the final day of last season will linger long in the memory. Needing only victory at home to Mainz to become champions for the first time in 11 years, it all went horribly wrong.

An initial goal conceded and a missed penalty. Two goals down before halftime, there was even the fleeting hope of Bayern being equalized in Cologne. They emerged victorious, but Dortmund did not. A solitary goal in either match would have sufficed. A poignant combination of anguish.

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Edin Terzic struggles to contain his emotions as Borussia Dortmund miss the chance to win the 2022/23 title

As the players and staff stood in prayer before the legendary Yellow Wall of fans, head coach Edin Terzic couldn't hide his distress. He emphasized that his team had been just 90 minutes away from achieving their goal. Now, they find themselves 34 matches away from glory once again.

The task at hand is to start afresh - without Jude Bellingham. It might be tempting to believe that Dortmund squandered their best opportunity, but there is another perspective. The preseason preparations have been successful, and it was Dortmund's own mistakes, not Bayern's superiority, that led to their defeat. Can they overcome their inner struggles? Adam Bate.

Can Dortmund conquer their demons?

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Union Berlin will be in the Champions League this season

Union Berlin's devoted fan base grew even stronger when they earned a surprise spot in the Champions League last season, competing against some of the top clubs in Europe. This remarkable achievement came just four years after their promotion to the Bundesliga. It is the pinnacle of their impressive journey, having started from the fourth tier of German football, and now they stand as the sole Bundesliga team in the capital city, taking their place among the elite clubs in continental competition.

This club, which has Robert Huth and Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi listed as some of its most well-known former players on Wikipedia, wasn't even considered the top team in East Berlin during the Soviet Era. They missed out on talented young players and infrastructure advancements due to their politically affiliated competitors, Berliner FC Dynamo.

Being accustomed to the role of the underdog has created a strong bond between the club and its fans, and has also helped Union gain popularity beyond the capital city in recent times.

In 2004, during a period of financial difficulties, loyal fans went to great lengths to support the club by donating blood to fund the professional league licence for that season. On the club's 50th anniversary in 2016, supporters came together at midnight within the stadium to ignite flares and put on a spectacular fireworks show, illuminating the surrounding area and celebrating exuberantly.

Among the distinctive features associated with Union Berlin, there are vibrant red minibuses and even a peculiar Union Berlin boat, for reasons unknown.

These are the type of distinctive traits that have captured the hearts of football aficionados who reminisce about the sport as it once was, particularly with regards to this small, working-class club in East Berlin. These quirks are bound to attract even more supporters as they strive to achieve noteworthy victories in their inaugural Champions League campaign. Ron Walker

Union Berlin's hipsters get a taste of the mainstream

The former Liverpool midfielder takes charge of his first full season at the club after making an impressive impact since arriving last October.

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Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has been in charge since October 2022

Under the Spaniard's guidance, Leverkusen underwent an impressive transformation, ascending from second-bottom to secure a commendable sixth-place finish. Despite their narrow elimination in the semi-finals against Jose Mourinho's Roma, there was undeniable potential exhibited throughout their Europa League campaign.

Although Alonso faced the setback of losing last season's top scorer, Moussa Diaby, to Aston Villa, there exists a genuine sense of hope that the recent acquisition of Victor Boniface can compensate for the absence of the dynamic French player.

The Nigerian striker emerged as the leading goal-scorer in the previous season's Europa League for Belgian team Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Encouragingly, his performances in pre-season, particularly in the remarkable showing against West Ham, suggest that he is capable of adequately replacing Diaby.

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Leverkusen signed Victor Boniface from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise this summer

At just 22 years old, Boniface adds to the exciting young talent that Alonso has at his disposal. However, it is 20-year-old Florian Wirtz who truly stands out among this group. The German attacking midfielder was awarded the title of the Europa League's top young player last season, and he will be the driving force behind Leverkusen's creativity.

Taking advantage of the summer transfer window, Alonso has successfully combined youth and experience by bringing in players like Granit Xhaka, Jonas Hoffman, and Alejandro Grimaldo.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Xhaka in particular brings leadership to a team that could well be the surprise package in the Bundesliga this season.Declan Olley

Alonso's Leverkusen to be surprise package?

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Is Lukas Nmecha capable of leading Wolfsburg's campaign this season?

Wolfsburg's exclusion from European competition last season was a consequence of their defeat at home against already-relegated Hertha Berlin. This setback could have been circumvented had their central striker, Lukas Nmecha, who is also a German national, been present.

After leaving the English football scene, the ex-Manchester City player has made significant strides in his career. He has garnered admiration under the guidance of Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and eventually earned a spot in the Germany national team after permanently moving to Wolfsburg in the summer of 2021.

Speaking to We, he expressed, "I believe I am continuing to progress, striving to take that next leap forward. Over the past two years, I have faced setbacks due to two significant injuries."

"We had a variety of managers during the initial season, but now we have a solid foundation. I am optimistic that this year, I will make progress and advance to the next level."

Niko Kovac, the previous manager of Bayern, has brought a clear direction. Nmecha affirms, "We have a comprehensive understanding of his expectations and goals for us."

The challenge will be to keep the best players fit. Sadly, Nmecha has already been ruled out of the season opener against Heidenheim.Adam Bate

Wolfsburg need Nmecha firing

RB Leipzig's impressive triumph over Bayern in the Supercup serves as a reminder that despite losing key players, the club's philosophy ensures an enduring presence. They are here to stay.

While Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku, and Dominik Szoboszlai have departed for the Premier League, new recruit Lois Openda has joined the team. Additionally, RB Leipzig has secured the signings of Nicolas Seiwald and Benjamin Sesko from Salzburg. To enhance their squad, the talented duo of Xavi Simons and Fabio Carvalho has been acquired on loan.

The issue with a high player turnover is the time needed to establish team chemistry. However, Leipzig has a clear target profile. They seek young, ambitious players with speed and a strong desire to press the opposing team; these traits are non-negotiable.

With Dani Olmo now firmly established as the standout player, the recent Supercup victory - their third trophy in 15 months - could serve as a launching pad for further achievements. If Bayern and Dortmund struggle to find their best form this season, it is highly likely that Leipzig will capitalize on the opportunity and provide great excitement.

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