Bayern Munich and SC Freiburg′s European chances
19-12-2022
The resumption of the Bundesliga season is still some time away with the league`s typical winter break set to follow the completion of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Bayern Munich lead the pack at the halfway point but they have been pushed all of the way due to the impressive form of SC Freiburg spearheaded by Vincenzo Grifo`s stunning return in front of goal.
Both of the teams fighting at the top of the table have had European football to focus on alongside their Bundesliga fixtures. Both managed to top their UEFA Champions League and Europa League groups respectively. In Bayern`s case, this meant they were seeded going into the round of 16 draw, in which they were drawn against Paris Saint Germain. Freiburg topping their group means they can bypass the round of 32 and will not continue their campaign until late February.
Bayern`s UCL chances
The two teams are the Bundesliga`s best chance of continental silverware this season, with Bayern being one of the heavy favourites to win the UCL, although the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool are strong competitors too. The UCL is the most prestigious club competition in the world and so sports betting on the competition is incredibly popular. Due to the popularity of the competition, many sportsbooks across Europe offer a variety of markets that will be available as we get closer to the knockout rounds taking place, such as in-play markets, as well as offers to attract new customers. Compilers such as
BonusFinder Germany have reviewed the options available to find the best odds and offers for consumers when betting on sports this season. The site reviews all the different aspects so bettors have an informed source to rely on when making their decisions.
Being six-time champions this Bayern side carries a certain level of pedigree that is a huge deal in the competition. The likes of PSG and Manchester City have long chased glory in the
European Champions League, but have often fallen short. The pressure of achieving a club`s initial triumph is a much tougher ask than adding to an already impressive trophy haul. The fact much of the current squad played in 2020 when Bayern won the competition is also a huge bonus. The Bavarians are a squad that is filled to the brim with winners, and adding Mane who won every trophy possible at Liverpool only strengthens that trend. If Bayern can overcome a PSG side that recorded some huge victories in the group stage, as seen in the
Spanish newspaper AS, then they are capable of defeating any side in the competition. They could certainly have the mental edge if they happen to meet City in the latter parts of the competition.
Could the Europa League come to Germany again?
Eintracht Frankfurt managed to win the Europa League final last year against Rangers in Seville after a hugely impressive run in which they shocked the likes of FC Barcelona and West Ham. Freiburg being the Bundesliga`s surprise package this season so far could also follow Frankfurt`s blueprint of using their status as underdogs to dump their complacent opposition out.
The knockouts are set to be extremely competitive this season with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester United featuring. But of course, these elite clubs will be mainly focused on their domestic seasons as they will wish to ensure they do not play in the Europa League again next campaign. Freiburg is not the most successful club historically with their greatest honours being their Bundesliga 2 titles.
This group of players that have shown they can compete with Bayern will have the hunger to make history for their club in Europe. It is a genuine possibility that the two sides could compete in the European Super Cup as well as the German Super Cup next August - the young and exciting Freiburg is showing no signs of slowing down and Bayern are still the trophy machine they have always been.
There is a strong chance of at least one form of European silverware coming to Germany at the end of this season. The two at the peak of the Bundesliga pack surely have the greatest chance of making an impact on the continental level. Bayern could add further to their European pedigree, Freiburg could produce the greatest moment in their history with a Europa League victory in May.
