Borussia Dortmund have been on a good run of form since Niko Kovac took over. The Croatian manager took the side from mid-table to Champions League qualification. This season, the Black and Yellows are unbeaten in both the league and in Europe.
The next question now surrounding BVB is whether the team will be able to translate this good run of form into a league triumph. Two seasons ago, Bayer Leverkusen showed Dortmund that it is possible to beat Bayern to the league title. The Black and Yellows haven’t won the Bundesliga since 2012 despite coming close on a couple of occasions. The surrounding question is whether the team can demonstrate that it is possible to surpass Bayern.
Most of the time, Dortmund perform well while playing against teams that are usually not up to their standards. But in the decisive games against direct rivals Bayern, they tend to fold. If the Black and Yellows want to win the title, the two games against Bayern will be crucial. Getting maximum points in those two games will go a long way in securing the Meisterschale.
Over the years, Borussia Dortmund have struggled to beat Bayern in the league. There were heavy defeats and times when the team squandered valuable leads, but in recent seasons, the team has turned a corner. BVB are unbeaten in the last three games against Bayern, with two draws and one win.
When the league returns from international break, Dortmund will face Bayern at the Allianz Arena. This is a great opportunity to lay down a marker against a side with the perfect record this season.
In addition to making the big games against Bayern count, Dortmund need to be alert against the threats of sides playing for Champions League qualification. The game against Leipzig is a reminder of that. The Red Bull-backed club was the better of the two sides and could have nicked a win. While a draw against such a tough opponent is not a bad result, BVB need to turn these types of close games from draws to wins if they are to win the title.
October might be too soon to talk about the title, but Dortmund need to be ambitious and take the next step. A Champions League qualification and reaching the latter stages of the Champions League will not suffice as long as the fans are concerned.