Bayern plot more Dortmund woe as Lewandowski returns
>> BERLIN: Robert Lewandowski is set to return to action for Bayern Munich this weekend as they look to score an important victory over troubled title rivals Borussia Dortmund.
The Polish star missed Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Celtic with a back problem, but is expected to be fit to face his former club at Signal Iduna Park today.
Lewandowski’s return will boost a Bayern side who are already full of confidence after their revival in recent weeks.
Like Lewandowski, former Dortmund defender Mats Hummels will be hoping that he can deal his old club a significant blow.
Today’s fixture is an opportunity to extend their lead in the title race and heap more misery on a Dortmund side currently in crisis.
Despite injuries to Lewandowski, Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller, Bayern have turned things around since Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking.
Under successor Jupp Heynckes, the champions have won six games out of six. They have overturned Dortmund’s five-point advantage to claim top spot in the Bundesliga, notched up league and cup victories over RB Leipzig, and secured qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
“We have taken a huge step in the last few weeks,” Bayern forward Arjen Robben told Bild. “Three weeks ago, I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told me where we are now. But we have to keep our feet on the ground.”
Dortmund, by contrast, have endured a disastrous few weeks. Peter Bosz’s side have won just one of their last six games, dropping to second after defeats to both RB Leipzig and Hanover 96.
Consecutive draws against APOEL Nicosia have compounded their misery, destroying any hope of qualification from their Champions League group.
Expectations have certainly dropped dramatically in recent weeks. Just three weeks ago, Dortmund were being described as title favourites. Lose today, and they will find themselves six points behind Bayern.
The crisis has coincided with a goal drought for Lewandowski’s opposite number Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker has failed to score in his last five appearances for Dortmund.
The team’s biggest problem, though, remains the defence. Dortmund have conceded nine goals in their last three league games, leading to criticism of Bosz’s tactical approach in the German media.
Bosz has repeatedly defended his attacking philosophy, and this week insisted that he will stick to his guns against Bayern.
“We will not try to park the bus in front of goal, that’s not the way we play,” said the Dutch coach.