Bayern Munich leads the Bundesliga after 21 match days. In contrast to many previous years, however, the championship is far from decided. Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin are tied on points in the chasing pack. FanQ asked German football fans whether the title fight will remain exciting until the end and who will ultimately lift the coveted trophy.

Pursuers exploit Bayern's weakness – direct duels are imminent

29:13, 29:13 and 29:13. After 21 match days of the 1969/70 Bundesliga season, three clubs were level on points (the two-point rule still applied) at the top. FC Köln led the league ahead of Borussia Mönchenladbach and Hertha BSC Berlin. In the end, Borussia, with club legends such as Berti Vogts and Günter Netzer, prevailed and won the championship with a four-point lead over Bayern. At such a late stage in the season, three teams have never been level at the top of the table since - until the current season. At first glance, the table constellation reads the same as in previous years. Bayern lead the table, followed by BVB as their closest rivals. Last season, however, Bayern were already nine points ahead of Dortmund. This season, however, Borussia is level on points with the record champions with 13 match days to go. Although BVB struggled in the first half of the season, Edin Terzic's squad has come up trumps in the new calendar year. All eight competitive matches were won and suddenly the dream of the title is once again a reality. However, the fact that the „Black & Yellows“ are back in the championship fight is not only due to their own strength. Last year, Dortmund also had 43 points after 21 games, but Bayern were dominant and greeted them from the top of the table with a large gap. This season, FCB only have the same number of points as their rivals from the Ruhr region. Only the significantly better goal difference secures the lead in the table. Julian Nagelsmann's team have been slow to find their form after the winter break. After three 1-1 draws at the start of the year, Bayern made a strong comeback. VFL Wolfsburg and VFL Bochum were defeated in the league, Mainz 05 were beaten 4-0 away from home in the cup and a convincing away win against the star ensemble from Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 secured a good starting position for progression. Last weekend, however, they suffered another setback. They suffered their second defeat of the season against fearsome opponents Gladbach. Julian Nagelsmann's verbal outburst also led to discussions and a fine for the coach. Tension reigns at Säbener Straße.

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This also applies to Union Berlin. In addition to the clear title favourites from Dortmund and Munich, the „Iron Ones“ also have 43 points and only missed out on taking first place due to a 0-0 draw against bottom-of-the-table Schalke 04 last matchday. In the reverse fixture at the Alte Försterei, Berlin and FCB drew 1-1. Now there is another direct duel with decisive consequences for the title race. Union will travel to the Allianz Arena on Sunday with their chests puffed out. On Thursday, Urs Fischer's boys secured their place in the Europa League round of 16 against Ajax Amsterdam. The extent to which the three teams remain level depends on how the BVB fares in Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Due to the sensationally exciting constellation at the top of the table, FanQ wanted to know from German football fans whether the race for the championship will remain open until the end of the season. More than two-thirds of fans believe that the final matchdays will decide who holds the championship trophy in their hands. For 66.8 % of the survey participants, the title fight will remain dramatic until the very end. However, 25.6 % believe that one of the teams will have clearly pulled away by then. Accordingly, FanQ wanted to know which team will be in first place after 34 match days and can celebrate. More than half of the fans predict that the record champions from Munich will secure their eleventh championship in a row. 52.6 % per cent see FCB as the title favourites. 21.4 % of fans believe that BVB will end Bayern's streak and win the championship for the first time since 2012. Only 13.6 % of respondents believe that Union Berlin will be crowned German champions after 34 match days. In addition, 4.5 % of fans bet on another team. Although the aforementioned teams are currently level on points at the top and therefore the most likely contenders for the title, the competition is waiting in the wings. With 43 points, the trio are only three points ahead of fourth-placed Freiburg. With 39 and 38 points respectively, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt could also rejoin the title race at any time. However, one of the teams may have to bid farewell to the championship this weekend. Leipzig welcome Eintracht for a direct clash on Saturday. The loser must fear losing touch.