Bayern Munich: Freiburg emerging as unlikely title contender

Bayern Munich is on a quest this season to record their tenth consecutive Bundesliga title. During the previous nine championship-winning seasons for Bayern, the closest competitors for the title have included the other big-name clubs in German football such as Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and Borrusia Monchengladbach. However, this season, there is an unlikely club that has risen to the top four spots in the table after nine matches played. That club is SC Freiburg who has emerged as an early-season title contender with an undefeated record.

A strong start

Freiburg is the only Bundesliga club that has yet to record a defeat this season. Through nine matches played they have registered five wins and four draws. This impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign has allowed them to occupy third place in the Bundesliga table which is a UEFA Champions League spot.

One of the key reasons for Freiburg’s strong start to the season has been their impressive defensive record. They have only conceded six goals in nine matches which is the fewest number of goals allowed in the German top-flight. Bayern is close behind Freiburg in terms of goals conceded as Die Roten has allowed just eight goals in nine matches.

Key results in early-season schedule

When it comes to the clubs Freiburg has had to face so far it hasn’t been an easy schedule. Having already played three of the four clubs who finished in the top four last season, Freiburg can certainly say they haven’t had an easy schedule to start the 2021/22 Bundesliga campaign. With victories over Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, and a draw against RB Leipzig, Freiburg have done very well in matches where they were facing three of the top clubs from last season.

These consistent results against some of the top clubs in the league may indicate that Freiburg has what it takes to compete for a top-four place this season. With 25 matches remaining there is still a long way to go but these early season results have given Freiburg the best start possible to their campaign. If they can remain consistent and continue their fantastic defensive record then they can certainly become one of the best storylines in European football this season.

A showdown with Bayern looms

On Matchday 11 Freiburg will travel to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern. Currently, Freiburg is three points adrift of Bayern in the table. Having held Bayern to a point last season at home and losing narrowingly on the road, the visitors have proven to be a difficult opponent for Bayern. With Die Roten already losing one home match this season, Freiburg will be looking to become the latest club to earn a result against the defending champions.

Freiburg’s showdown with Bayern will feature the best defensive record going up against the best offensive record in the Bundesliga. Bayern has already scored 33 goals in just nine matches which is far more than the 14 goals scored by Freiburg. However, Freiburg does hold the better defensive record with just six goals conceded compared to Bayern’s eight goals allowed.

This matchup will be the ultimate test for Freiburg’s backline and if they can hold Bayern’s potent offense then it can only help their confidence for the remaining fixtures in the campaign. A draw or victory against Bayern would give them either a win or draw against each of the top four from last season which is a very impressive record. Matchday 11 is a must-watch fixture between these two clubs as the unlikely contenders meet the defending champions.