At least on paper, the title fight in the Bundesliga on matchday 18 has become more exciting again. While a badly decimated FC Bayern lost to Borussia Mönchengladbach at home, BVB won an away win in Frankfurt after falling behind. For Thomas Helmer, former professional of the two championship competitors, the race has long been decided.
Six points between first and second place – actually not a lead that seems impossible to catch up. Nevertheless, there was no limitless euphoria in the Borussia Dortmund camp after the 3-2 show of strength at Eintracht Frankfurt. Thomas Helmer, who ran for the Westphalia from 1986 to 1992, can understand the reluctance.
He doesn’t think that we can now speak of a “title fight” again, wrote the 56-year-old in his “kicker” column. “Bayern are simply too good for that – and BVB too vulnerable,” said Helmer.
First of all, it is crucial for the black and yellow to get consistency in their performance. He hopes “that the win in Frankfurt has given the necessary confidence in their own strengths”, said Helmer, because the team is actually able to “beat any opponent”.
Meanwhile, the Rose-Elf shouldn’t have to tremble in front of the other teams in the league. “Nobody will take second place from Dortmund,” predicted Helmer.
“Insane difference” at Bayern
The long-time defender also made it clear that as a result of Bayern’s bankruptcy against Gladbach, no crack should be expected from the record champions. In view of the many corona-related failures, the result was “completely normal”.
Despite the remaining “world class players”, Helmer recognized an “insane difference” in the absence of stars like Leroy Sané, Lucas Hernández (both with corona infections) or Leon Goretzka (patellar tendon problems).
FCB coach Julian Nagelsmann certified that he had a good feel for the situation. “Basically, I think it’s good that he says clearly that his team should still be able to play a better game. He also trusts the guys behind them,” emphasized Helmer.
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