What Would the Bundesliga Be Without Bayern?
The question hangs over the German football landscape as Bayern Munich continues its dominance. As the Bundesliga season progresses, the conversation inevitably turns to the Bavarian giants and their outsized influence, not just on the pitch, but increasingly in the political sphere as well. This isn’t simply about a team’s success. it’s about the very identity of German football on the international stage.
Who Plays When and Against Whom?
While a comprehensive schedule is available on the FC Bayern Munich official website, the focus remains on Bayern’s continued march toward another Bundesliga title. Their upcoming fixture against Union Berlin on March 21st is particularly noteworthy, offering a stark contrast between the league’s undisputed champions and a team battling for European qualification. Leverkusen’s recent Champions League exit, a 0-2 defeat to Arsenal, underscores the gap between Bayern and the rest of the Bundesliga in European competition. Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund also faced early exits, further highlighting Bayern’s solitary presence among Europe’s elite.
Which Match Should You Absolutely Not Miss?
Bayern Munich versus Union Berlin. Without Bayern, German football’s international presence would be significantly diminished. Currently, only Freiburg and Mainz are also competing internationally, albeit in the second and third tiers of European football, respectively. Bayern’s recent form has been exceptional, remaining undefeated since the complete of January. Harry Kane, the league’s leading scorer, is poised to add to his impressive tally – potentially reaching 31, 32, and 33 goals for the season – and perhaps even replicating the stunning strike he scored against Atalanta in the Champions League. The title is all but secured for Bayern, and a Champions League victory remains well within their grasp. The remaining German clubs, however, simply don’t measure up to Europe’s top eight teams. It’s questionable whether even Borussia Dortmund, Germany’s “best of the rest,” could qualify for the Champions League in leagues as competitive as Spain’s La Liga or England’s Premier League.
Which Match Can You Afford to Skip?
Cologne versus Gladbach. The Rhine derby holds a rich tradition, with both clubs once being among the best in Europe during the 1970s. Gladbach, once known for their fast-paced and exciting style of play, hasn’t consistently reached those heights in recent years, though they appear to be stabilizing under Eugen Polanski. The greater concern, however, lies with Cologne. They are currently on a six-game winless streak, and head coach Lukas Kwasniok has repeatedly found himself in hot water with controversial statements. His recent complaint about a lack of support from the Südkurve following an incident involving a 90-year-ancient fan who fell ill during a match was particularly ill-timed. The match against Gladbach could very well determine Kwasniok’s future at the club.
Who is in the Spotlight?
Dieter Reiter, the short-term supervisory board member of FC Bayern and (still-) Lord Mayor of Munich. Reiter has governed Munich since 2014 and was seeking a third term. His poll numbers were strong, but his recently revealed positions at FC Bayern became public knowledge just before the local elections. He admitted to receiving €90,000 since 2021 for his role on Bayern’s administrative board, and that he had failed to obtain approval from the city council – a requirement for any additional income exceeding €10,000 annually, potentially leading to disciplinary proceedings. He was also appointed to Bayern’s supervisory board in February, likely for further compensation. “I definitely didn’t think about how much money I would gain there,” he stated in a recent interview with ZEIT, raising questions about how much a mayor actually earns if such sums are inconsequential.
Reiter has since resigned from all positions at the club and announced he will donate his earnings. Whether that will be enough to salvage his political career remains to be seen. Munich has traditionally been a stronghold for the Social Democratic Party (SPD), but Sunday’s runoff election could see the city’s first Green Party mayor, Dominik Krause, take office. Shady deals and payments are not uncommon in professional football, but they can severely damage a politician’s credibility, especially a Social Democrat. The CSU has long been known as the “Amigos” in Bavaria. And is it appropriate for a city’s mayor to receive money from the city’s dominant club? The voters of Munich will answer that question on Sunday. It’s possible a member of the SPD will fall due to his connections with the Bayern organization.
Read the interview with Dieter Reiter here.
Bundesliga Standings (as of March 20, 2026)
The Bundesliga standings reflect Bayern’s dominance. As of today, Bayern Munich leads the table with 67 points from 26 matches (21 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss), boasting a goal difference of +68. Borussia Dortmund sits in second place with 58 points, followed by Hoffenheim (50 points) and Stuttgart (50 points). The full table is available on the official Bundesliga website.
Looking Ahead
Bayern Munich’s next challenge is their upcoming match against Union Berlin on Saturday, March 21st at 14:30 local time. The team will then face Freiburg on April 4th and St. Pauli on April 11th. The focus, however, remains on the Champions League, with Bayern aiming to continue their impressive run and secure a place in the semi-finals. The club’s squad, featuring stars like Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer, and Jamal Musiala, is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The question isn’t whether Bayern will win the Bundesliga – that’s almost a foregone conclusion – but whether they can translate their domestic success onto the European stage.
What are your thoughts on Bayern’s dominance and the future of the Bundesliga? Share your opinions in the comments below!
