Bundesliga Preview: Dortmund, Werder Bremen, and St Pauli in Focus

Get the latest updates from the Bundesliga, including Dortmund's top-four push, Werder Bremen's European hopes, and St Pauli's defensive solidity.

Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller is on the verge of adding another league title to his illustrious career. With Bayern eight points clear of Bayer Leverkusen and three games left, Muller can secure his 13th league title if the team wins against RB Leipzig on Saturday. This potential triumph would be a fitting conclusion to Muller's remarkable 25-season tenure at the club before his scheduled departure this summer.

Bayern Munich's last league win at RB Leipzig was in 2021, but a victory on Saturday would secure their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title. Even if they falter, the title would still be theirs if Leverkusen fails to beat Freiburg on Sunday. For Thomas Muller, another league title would be a fitting farewell, capping off an illustrious career.

Muller, a one-club player, has amassed 32 trophies with Bayern, including two Champions Leagues. With 12 league titles under his belt, he would join an elite group if he wins this season. Only Ryan Giggs, with 13 league titles at Manchester United, has achieved this feat in Europe's top five leagues. Muller played his 500th Bundesliga game last week and will depart Bayern at the end of the season after being denied a contract extension.

As Thomas Muller's departure from Bayern Munich draws near, he has received warm celebrations from fans both home and away. However, Muller has been quick to refocus attention on the task at hand, emphasizing that there's still a title to be won. “On the topic of pride, I'm someone who lives life looking forward rather than looking back too much,” Muller said, underscoring his commitment to the team's current objectives rather than dwelling on his impending exit.

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— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) May 3, 2025

Thomas Muller reflected on looking back at achievements, saying, “Looking back is nice and then you can toast to it and ask: 'What are you doing tomorrow?'” Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Bochum faces relegation danger. A loss to Heidenheim on Friday would make them the first team to be relegated. Bochum's struggles have come against mid-table sides and fellow relegation battlers, not top teams.

Bochum's veteran coach Dieter Hecking urged his side to “have no fear,” saying, ”it's a final and one we're hugely anticipating.” Despite winning only two of their last 14 games, Bochum's victories came against top teams Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Niklas Sule: A Key to Dortmund's Turnaround

Niklas Sule's form under coach Niko Kovac has been a highlight of Borussia Dortmund's resurgence. After struggling since his move to Dortmund in 2022, the defender has rediscovered his form, showcasing his quality as a European champion with Bayern in 2020 and a former Germany international. Sule's performances will be crucial as Dortmund looks to capitalize on their improved form under Kovac.

Under coach Edin Terzic's predecessor, Edin Terzic's BVB teammate turned rival Niko Kovac, Dortmund's coach, has revitalized centre-back Niklas Sule. Sule, who started just three times from October to April, has been a regular starter in Dortmund's lineup over the past four matches, during which the team achieved three wins and a draw.

Sule's resurgence, coupled with injuries to Germany centre-backs Nico Schlotterbeck and Antonio Rudiger, puts him in contention for a call-up to the Nations League finals in June. This development aligns with Kovac's earlier promise to return Sule to Germany's reckoning.

Bundesliga Key Stats

St Pauli has impressed defensively, conceding just 36 goals this season, with only Bayern and Leverkusen allowing fewer. Dortmund has made a strong push for a top-four finish, earning 13 points from their last five games. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen is closing in on a European spot, having won five of their last seven matches and sitting just two points off the qualifying positions, with their last European appearance dating back 15 years.