Bayern Munich finds themselves in an unusual position, trailing leaders Leverkusen by eight points with one-third of the season remaining, a situation unfamiliar to a team accustomed to dominance in the Bundesliga.

Max Eberl, the new sporting director of Bayern, acknowledged the shift in dynamics, stating that they are now in the role of the hunter, chasing Xabi Alonso's unbeaten side who are eyeing their first-ever Bundesliga crown. The recent loss to Leverkusen, coupled with a string of defeats, has put pressure on Bayern, but a last-minute win against RB Leipzig has injected some much-needed confidence and positivity into the team, according to Thomas Tuchel.

However, Bayern's focus is not solely on domestic competition, as they face a crucial Champions League fixture against Lazio. Tuchel emphasized the importance of momentum from a successful match leading into such encounters. Their upcoming match against Freiburg poses another challenge, with the colourful Freiburg coach Christian Streich anticipating a fiercely contested game.

Despite the daunting eight-point deficit, Bayern remains hopeful, drawing inspiration from their winning history and Leverkusen's tendency to falter in crucial moments. Tuchel, echoing the sentiments of Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, emphasized that Bayern's relentless pressure cannot be underestimated, especially considering past experiences. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella has emerged as a standout player under Alonso's guidance, with his electrifying performances contributing significantly to their title charge. Key statistics highlight Leverkusen's impressive points tally and the tightly packed mid-table in the Bundesliga, while Vincenzo Grifo's penalty prowess for Freiburg is also noted.

As the season progresses, Bayern faces Freiburg in a crucial fixture, hoping to narrow the gap and keep their title hopes alive, while Leverkusen aims to maintain their momentum against Mainz in what promises to be an intriguing weekend of Bundesliga action.