Why does Bayern always "crash" against Mönchengladbach?
Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga powerhouse with a fearsome record and countless honors, strangely finds itself stumbling against a team with far less prestige - Borussia Mönchengladbach. Statistics show that Mönchengladbach is not only the team Bayern loses to most often but also the only team in Bundesliga history to have an advantage over them. With Bayern's strength, what gives Mönchengladbach the edge?
Is this a coincidence or is there something more at play? This "rivalry showdown" makes one wonder: Is Bayern still stable this time?
Let's first discuss Bayern's current situation. For a team that has long dominated the Bundesliga, last season's "big four empty-handed" was a disgrace. No league title, no German Cup, let alone the Champions League. Tuchel took over as coach but did not bring about the expected qualitative change; instead, due to various issues, they lost their 11-year championship streak. This season, after changing coaches, Bayern temporarily leads the standings with an 11-3-1 win-loss-draw record, but this lead is not secure, especially before the winter break when they surprisingly lost to Mainz, a relegation-threatened team, which really made people nervous.
What's even more worrying is Bayern's injury problems. Just after the winter break, the team received bad news: as many as eight players were out due to injuries, including midfield core Musiala. This season is not only a rebuilding period for Bayern but also a test. It's clearly not easy to maintain dominance in multiple competitions.
Many may wonder how Mönchengladbach, a team that has consistently been in the middle of the table in recent years, can become Bayern's nightmare.
In fact, the rivalry between Mönchengladbach and Bayern dates back to the 1970s. That was the most glorious era for the Bundesliga and also for Mönchengladbach.
They took turns winning championships, pushing the Bundesliga to its peak together. Although Mönchengladbach later declined, they seem to have a special motivation when facing Bayern, always finding form at critical moments. Statistics show that in the past ten encounters, Mönchengladbach achieved a record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses against Bayern. Especially at home, their record against Bayern in the past ten years is 6 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, with a frighteningly high win rate. Not to mention the classic 5-0 victory in the German Cup.
Strange, isn't it? They don't necessarily win against anyone else, but against Bayern, it's like they're on steroids. This is probably what's known as the "rival halo." Mönchengladbach's matches against Bayern are never short of stories.
For this match, Bayern's hidden dangers are obvious, especially regarding squad depth. Although this most expensive team in the Bundesliga looks star-studded, frequent injuries have made their bench depth appear thin. Eight players injured during the winter break is no small issue. Musiala's absence significantly impacts midfield organization, and the defense, due to frequent changes from injuries, struggles to reach optimal form. Even with Kane, a super striker who contributed 20 goals and 8 assists this season, if the midfield cannot provide support, Kane will struggle alone.
In contrast, although Mönchengladbach is inferior in overall strength, their resilience and home advantage make up for these shortcomings. Add in Bayern's recent state fluctuations, and Mönchengladbach might truly seize the opportunity.
Mönchengladbach's home ground is indeed Bayern's "heartbreak land." Many fans jokingly say, "The game Bayern least wants to play is away against Mönchengladbach." Since 2013, Mönchengladbach has won six, drawn one, and lost three games against Bayern at home. This is not a coincidence but a pattern.
Not just in the league, even in single-elimination games like the German Cup, Mönchengladbach shows no mercy. The 5-0 victory over Bayern is still a classic that Mönchengladbach fans love to talk about. Despite Bayern being considered one of Europe's strongest teams at that time, Mönchengladbach used a resounding victory to tell everyone: even strong teams have weaknesses, and Mönchengladbach knows exactly where Bayern's Achilles' heel is.
If Mönchengladbach defeats Bayern again this time, the Bundesliga standings will become extremely complicated. Currently, although Bayern's lead is not insignificant, teams like Leverkusen and Leipzig are waiting to pounce. If Bayern drops points against Mönchengladbach, those competitors will surely seize the opportunity. This could not only reignite the suspense of this season's title race but also greatly increase Bayern's psychological pressure. For a team that just experienced "big four empty-handed," even minor mistakes could trigger a chain reaction.
From Mönchengladbach's perspective, winning this match not only consolidates their mid-table position but also reinforces their label as "Bayern's nemesis," which undoubtedly boosts team morale.
Many experts believe that Mönchengladbach's "Bayern curse" is not accidental. Some teams' playing styles in the football world are indeed mutually restraining, and Mönchengladbach just happens to exert a certain suppression over Bayern tactically and psychologically. Their counter-attack efficiency is high, and they often play more relaxedly against Bayern, a team that dominates possession.
On the other hand, Bayern's problems are exposed. Although Kane's joining enhanced the team's attacking power, squad depth and injury concerns remain their weak spots. Statistics show that Bayern's win rate dropped nearly 30% in games without Musiala this season. And the first opponent after the winter break is Mönchengladbach; Bayern cannot afford to be careless.
How will the match result? Even the mighty have their own "nemeses"; will Mönchengladbach perform another miracle? Matches always end, but the story of such "rivals" will never be boring.
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