Berlin, Germany February 22, (V7N) - Eintracht Frankfurt, enjoying their best Bundesliga season in decades, face a daunting challenge on Sunday as they take on league leaders Bayern Munich. Despite sitting third in the table and being on track for their first top-four finish since the 1992-93 season, Frankfurt know they will need a near-perfect performance to topple the Bavarian giants.

Under the guidance of coach Dino Toppmoeller, Frankfurt have defied expectations this season, rebounding strongly despite the departure of key player Omar Marmoush to Manchester City. With 22 games played, Frankfurt are third in the Bundesliga, 13 points behind Bayern and five behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

Frankfurt’s 2022 Europa League triumph earned them their first-ever Champions League appearance, and a top-four finish this season would secure another shot at Europe’s elite competition. However, their next test is a formidable one: a trip to the Allianz Arena to face a Bayern side that is eight points clear at the top of the table.

Frankfurt have shown they can compete with Bayern, holding them to a thrilling 3-3 draw in October. They are one of only four teams—alongside Leverkusen, Mainz, and Borussia Dortmund—to have taken points off the league leaders this season.

However, Frankfurt captain Kevin Trapp remains cautious. "We are third, and Bayern are 13 points ahead of us—that speaks volumes," he said on Thursday. "We must get close to perfection in order to get a point or better there."

Bayern, despite their dominance, come into the match after two consecutive draws, including a 1-1 stalemate with Celtic in the Champions League. Star striker Harry Kane is likely to miss the game after being substituted at halftime against Celtic due to injury.

Injury Concerns

Frankfurt have their own injury worries, with defender Robin Koch ruled out and midfielder Mario Goetze doubtful due to illness. Toppmoeller acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying his team needs "a good plan, a top performance, and a bit of luck" to succeed. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, urging his players to exhibit "a high tolerance for frustration."

Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern’s closest challengers, travel to face last-placed Holstein Kiel on Saturday. Coach Xabi Alonso admitted that overtaking Bayern is a tall order but refused to rule out the possibility. "Everything can happen. There are still many games. There's time for anything," he said.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund will look to bounce back from a recent dip in form when they host Union Berlin. English winger Jamie Gittens, who has not scored in nine games, will be under scrutiny. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac urged patience, saying, "Jamie has developed really well... but you understand there can also be a bit of a dip now and again."

Joshua Kimmich: The Bayern midfielder has played every minute of their 22 league games this season—1,980 minutes plus stoppage time.

Hugo Ekitike: The Frankfurt striker has 12 goals in 21 league games this season.

Dortmund vs. Union Berlin: In 13 meetings across all competitions, Dortmund have never drawn with Union Berlin, winning nine and losing four.

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday

Borussia Moenchengladbach v Augsburg

Wolfsburg v Bochum

Mainz v St Pauli

Holstein Kiel v Bayer Leverkusen

Borussia Dortmund v Union Berlin (1730 GMT)

Sunday

RB Leipzig v Heidenheim

Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (1630 GMT)

Hoffenheim v Stuttgart (1830 GMT)

As the Bundesliga season enters its decisive phase, Sunday’s clash between Bayern and Frankfurt promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Frankfurt aiming to prove they belong among Germany’s elite.