Bundesliga: The First League To Return To Action During The Pandemic
The German Bundesliga is back with a bang, and football lovers seem over the top with excitement! The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, especially those into sports. However, with different forms of online sports games, the hope for a good ‘game night’ is still alive. With Bundesliga back in full stride, their fans can finally start rooting for their favorite clubs. Unfortunately, due to safety measures, their fans will miss out on the thrill of the stadium.
How will the league function?
Even though the premier league was suspended, Bundesliga has kept the energy flowing. It is the first European league to set foot on the field after the harsh 2-month lockdown. The “behind-locked-doors” matches will be hosted in Germany. The league resumes this Saturday on 16th May.
With the current restrictions in play, a new rule by The International Football Association Board (IFAB) was passed that states that teams will be able to use five substitutes.
Statement by DLF
“If there is extra time in the second leg of the relegation play-offs, both teams are given a fourth opportunity to change players, which they can use in the interruption between regular time and extra time or in the half-time period of extra time. The DFL ‘Football Commission’ recommends that a maximum of two players being substituted at the same time.” says a DLF Statement.
Proper measures in place
Apart from that, the players are being tested weekly. Sanitation centers are being been put up for crew members, and other safety measures will be followed. According to the current plan, the league is said to end in the last week of June. However, if any circumstances arise, it might get delayed until July. Due to legal and safety reasons, the venue of the matches may change on short notice. Nine rounds of fixtures remain to be played in the Bundesliga.
The game will be aired on Fox and Univision for fans in the US. This is, however, the last time Bundesliga will be broadcasted on Fox, ESPN will be its host from 2020-21 onwards.
Which team should you support?
The biggest question is, which team should you support? To make things easier for you, here are some statistics on how the teams have been performing!
- The leading team is Bayern Munich. After winning the league seven times before, these guys are hunting for their 8th win! With 55 points, this team is all set to put its best foot forward. If you’re a Manchester City fan from Premier League, Bayern is the team for you.
- They will be playing Borussia Dortmund, the second team on the leader board, 4 points down from Bayern, on 26th May. Borussia Dortmund is known for its creativity and bringing in quality players from low budget teams. Jadon Sancho has a pivotal position in their attacking line and might cause problems for the Bayern defense.
- The third team with 50 points is RB Leipzig. The team was formed by Red Bull a decade ago, with not much budget in comparison to the elite club. However, they have climbed their way to the top in leagues with star players like Timo Werner and Christian Poulsen.
- High on social media yet low on the board, Borussia Monchengladbach is 4th in the league. However, their fans don’t hope much from them, given that they had their last big win in the 70s.
- Dusseldorf, Werder Bremen, and Paderborn have a tough road ahead of them to stay in the contingent. If they fail to secure a position higher than 16, they will be dropped out of Level 1.
Amongst the teams that will play on the first day, Augsburg will be missing its manager! Heiko Herrlich was reported to break quarantine rules and hence will be self-isolated and tested twice before he can rejoin. “Even though I have followed all hygiene measures both when leaving the hotel and otherwise, I cannot undo this. In this situation, I was not able to act as a role model for my team and the public.” He said.
Fasten your seat belts because the Bundesliga is about to kick off. Save the date for this tournament on May 16th, to experience live football once again!
