With a couple of weeks off from domestic action, fans around Germany can reflect on another dramatic weekend in the Bundesliga and look forward to seeing some of the best stars on the international stage.
One big name who has written yet more Bundesliga 2024 news headlines is Bayern Munich’s goal machine Harry Kane, who had a mixed afternoon during the Bavarians’ 5-2 win away to Darmstadt.
The former Spurs striker scored his 31st league goal of the campaign to beat the record set by the legendary Uwe Seeler in his first Bundesliga season. But the England skipper was later given treatment on the pitch and substituted after twisting his ankle.
He is still travelling with the England squad and may be in line to play against Brazil at the weekend, but neither club nor country, which are in regular discussion, will take any chances with their star man.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s coronation is getting ever closer after they responded to Bayern’s win with a 3-2 victory away to SC Freiburg. The win took Die Werkself ten points clear at the top of the table with just eight games remaining, and having won 24, drawn four, and lost no games this season, it’s hard to see how Xabi Alonso’s team can slip up.
The excellent Florian Wirtz gave the league leaders a second-minute lead before Ritsu Doan levelled for Freiburg. Goals from Adam Hlozek and Patrik Schick put Leverkusen in charge, and though Yannik Keitel scored a late second for Freiburg, it was no more than a consolation.
The Bundesliga 2024 betting odds say it’s just a matter of time for Leverkusen; the weeks are ticking down, and Die Werkself must simply keep their nerve.
So long, Streich
In the aftermath of Leverkusen’s win over Freiburg, the hosts’ long-term manager, Christian Streich, announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. He has presided over the best period at the club, and Freiburg fans will wish him a fond farewell after 13 campaigns at the helm and 29 years in Freiburg.
The 58-year-old said, “I want to announce with a very, very heavy heart that I will no longer continue as the head coach of SC Freiburg. I am thankful for all the support I have always received. Freiburg is a big club, and it was a wonderful time. But it is time to say goodbye.”
SC Freiburg have become a bigger club under Streich’s stewardship, during which he has managed the club for almost 400 Bundesliga games, and he leaves some big shoes to fill.
Bundesliga stars to watch next week
The international break gives SBOTOP fans the chance to see the best football nations in the world in action, and plenty of Bundesliga stars will feature heavily in the high-profile matches.
Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz has been one of Die Werkself’s stars of a stellar campaign, making ten assists so far, and he will be one of the most watched players at Euro 2024, with a handful of the top clubs in Europe who would dearly love to win his signature. At 20 years of age, the attacking midfielder has already made over 100 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 20 goals, and he has 14 senior German caps in his locker.
Another young star, the quick-footed winger Jamal Musiala, will also be in the Germany squad with a good chance of starting against France. Now 21, Musiala has made 11 appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring 33 goals, and he has scored two in 25 for Germany, having previously represented England at U-21 level.
Musiala’s teammate Joshua Kimmich is emerging as a target for the top sides in the Premier League, and he is another Bayern player expected to star for Germany at Euro 2024, and the two of them may well come across their teammate Dayot Upamecano on Saturday night.
The powerful centre-back has made 17 appearances for Les Bleus in defence and is a threat from set pieces, scoring two international goals.
Red Bull Leipzig’s influential defender David Raum will also be on show for Germany; he has been one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent performers, and his flexibility is a bonus for Germany boss Juilan Nagelsmann. Raum’s clubmate Dani Olmo might also feature for Spain against Colombia in another of the matches-of-the-weekend. And then, of course, there’s Harry Kane. Bayern’s latest attacking phenomenon is England’s top scorer of all time, and he would dearly love to line up against Brazil. Will he make it? We’ll have to wait and see
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
