It’s tight at the top of the Frauen-Bundesliga, as teams contend for the three Champions League spots on offer. So far, the German clubs have played six games a-piece in their 22-game season, with three teams currently sitting at the top of the table on 15 points.
The top flight in Germany has been dominated by European giants Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg over the years. Bayern won all but two league games last season, and the reigning champions were pushed all the way by Wolfsburg, who finished the season two points below in second.
While it would be surprising if either club finished outside the top two this season, mid-table teams have started the season well.
Both Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt currently join Bayern Munich at the top of the table on 15 points.
Strong start for Leverkusen
Leverkusen have had a strong start to the season, winning five of their six opening games. The club enjoyed an impressive 2020/21 campaign, recording their best finish yet after placing fifth.
No doubt Leverkusen will want to build on that this season, and perhaps even clinch a Champions League spot. However, they face a tough run next month, with back-to-back games against four of the current top six.
Embed from Getty ImagesBack to business for Frankfurt?
Another team vying for a top three finish will be Eintracht Frankfurt.
Frankfurt have enjoyed a lot of success in Germany’s top flight, with seven Championships under their belt (previously as FFC Frankfurt). The team also have a strong history in Europe – with four Champions League titles, Frankfurt trail only to Lyon (7).
Embed from Getty ImagesThe club have not played Champions League football since the 2015/16 season, however. Frankfurt had a sound start to last season, undefeated in their first five games, before their form dipped and only two wins were recorded in their next ten games.
A return to the Champions League may be on the cards this time round for Frankfurt, however, who took all three points from Bayern Munich in a 3-2 thriller at the weekend.
Tough weekend for Wolfsburg
Meanwhile, Wolfsburg trail two points behind the league leaders, losing 2-1 to Hoffenheim at the weekend.
After finishing two points behind Bayern last season, it is yet to be seen how costly Wolfsburg’s defeat in Hoffenheim could be to their league campaign this season.
The club have suffered major blows to their squad over the past two years, with departures from Pernille Harder (Chelsea) and Norwegian duo Caroline Graham Hansen and Ingrid Engen (Barcelona).
It’s been a good start for summer signing Jill Roord, however, who scored the only goal in Wolfsburg’s weekend defeat.
Embed from Getty ImagesOnes to watch
So, with 16 games to go, who else should we look out for?
Hoffenheim
WSL fans may recognise Hoffenheim from Thursday night, when they took on Arsenal in the Champions League. For much of their time in the Bundesliga, Hoffenheim could be found mid to low table.
The 2019/20 season saw the club climb up to third, and this was repeated the following year. It will be interesting to see if and how Hoffenheim can retain their third place finish this season. In the meantime, read more about Hoffenheim’s rise here.
Turbine Potsdam
Frankfurt’s eastern rivals Potsdam have been consistent over the years. The club have only placed outside the top four once in the past ten seasons.
Alongside Frankfurt, Potsdam dominated the Frauen-Bundesliga Bundesliga for much of the 2000s until Wolfsburg and Bayern took over. They have won six Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues in their history. It will be exciting to see if Potsdam can maintain their top four consistency this season!
Where can I watch?
ata football currently stream select Frauen-Bundesliga matches each week, while DAZN also offer coverage.
