What else you should know: On Friday evening, the main focus is on two players who meet their former clubs. While Ridle Baku went directly from Mainz to Wolfsburg, Anton Stach took the “detour” via Fürth in the opposite direction. In the meantime, both have played for the German national team. Winger Baku has not missed any of VfL Wolfsburg’s 62 possible Bundesliga games since his arrival. The path of central midfielder Anton Stach is even more amazing: he played for Wolfsburg II in the regional league until 2020. After the promotion year in Fürth, he moved to Mainz 05 and matured there under Bo Svensson to the national team.
Also important: Mainz plays at home like a Champions League team and away like a relegated. What sounds strange is proven by the home and away table, in which Mainz is ranked 4th and 17th. In Wolfsburg, meanwhile, they have good memories of Mainz. Wolfsburg completed promotion to the Bundesliga in 1997 with a spectacular 5:4 against the 05ers.
SpVgg Greuther Fürth – Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 3.30 p.m.)
Duels in the Bundesliga: The balance sheet is shown quickly. Leverkusen won two of three Bundesliga games, but Fürth still got a point. In the first leg, however, the “Cloverleaves” got badly under the wheels in Leverkusen. It was 7:1 back then. Patrik Schick scored four goals in a row between the 49th and 76th minute.
What else you should know: If Greuther Fürth had contested the first half of the season in the same way as the second half of the season, the “clover leaf” would probably at least still be in the relegation battle. Fürth is in 15th place in the second half of the season table and has not conceded a goal four times this calendar year, but this “race to catch up” may be too late. With eleven points behind the saving bank and an opponent who urgently needs points for the Champions League qualification, the transition to the second division could already be certain for the weekend. Fürth must win to postpone the decision.
Also important: Leverkusen slipped out of the top 3 in the table for the first time since matchday 18 after losing at home to Leipzig. Freiburg lurks with only one point behind. On matchday 34 there will be a head-to-head duel – until then, Bayer 04 are not allowed to slip up.
RB Leipzig – 1. FC Union Berlin (Saturday, 3.30 p.m.)
Duels in the Bundesliga: In the recent past, 1. FC Union was not necessarily one of the favorite opponents of the successful Saxons. Twice in a row the points stayed completely in Berlin. However, Leipzig won the other three Bundesliga games. Both clubs don’t seem to think much of a draw in a direct comparison.
What else you should know: Emil Forsberg in particular seemed to think little of a draw. In the cup semifinals, the 92nd minute was already underway when the Swede struck and ensured an early decision. Only three days later it comes to revenge in the same place and place. The “Iron” have the next chance to end their black away series. In the Bundesliga, 2nd Bundesliga and the DFB Cup, Union has never won in Leipzig (5 games, 5 defeats).
Also important: Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco is on the sidelines at RB before his 17th game. He came to Leipzig after the 2-1 defeat in the first leg and has been a success story ever since. With 2.25 points per game, he has the best record of a non-Bayern coach. When he took over Leipzig, the team was in 11th place, now Leipzig is in 3rd place in the table.