Just as Leicester City rose to the top of the Premier League ahead of England’s top dogs last season, a similar shocking occurrence is underway in Germany. Bayern Munich top the table heading into the winter break, but their lead is merely down to goal difference.
Breathing down their neck are RB Leipzig, a team formed only seven years ago by energy drink manufacturers Red Bull. The club have enjoyed four promotions since their establishment, and are in the midst of one of the most unexpected Bundesliga title challenges.
Ralph Hasenhüttl’s boys have only tasted defeat once this campaign, the same number of losses die Roten have endured. It’s an impressive feat for the Bundesliga new-boys given that only one or two teams have challenged the Bavarians in recent seasons.
Leipzig beat Hertha Berlin 2-0 to keep the pressure on Bayern Munich
Hence the comparison with Leicester City; the Foxes dismantled the dominance of mega-spending clubs Man City, Chelsea, and Man United. Leipzig look to do the same, as victory at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday when they face off with Carlo Ancelotti’s side will mean they will head into the break as league leaders.
Unfortunately, there is one fundamental fact that destroys any comparison between the Bundesliga’s surprise package and last season’s unforgettable Premier League winners. Whilst there was wide support for Claudio Ranieri’s side once it was clear that the title was attainable, Leipzig don’t enjoy the same support.
Hasenhüttl was even asked if he can pull off a Ranieri
Can he be like #Ranieri and win the league? #Leipzig #Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/93NMLI5iPv
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 21, 2016
In fact, Die Bullen are despised in Germany. Imagine a David and Goliath story where no one is rooting for the underdog, and you would have a clear image of Leipzig’s status.
A Braunschweig Technical University survey showed that the Red Bull Arena Leipzig side are the least-favorite team in Germany. They have even been belittled by BVB chief executive Hans Joachim Watzke.
But this is not new; Leipzig wear their “most hated club” tag proudly, probably as a determination to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of their haters. And they could. Should they win the league, Leipzig will be the opposite end of the coin that is Leicester: the club that no one expected nor wanted to win league, but did nonetheless.
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