VfL fans have positive memories from the reverse fixture against Bayern Munich in September. At half-time it looked like the Wolves would be leaving Munich empty-handed, as has become almost traditional, but they came back from 2-0 down to earn a point with a spirited second-half display at the Allianz Arena. A similar performance will be required on Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CET) when the current league leaders visit the Volkswagen Arena.
Four home wins against Bayern
The history of this fixture demonstrates that if it’s possible to get anything against the German record champions, then it’s at home. There have been 20 Bundesliga meetings between the two sides in Wolfsburg. While the Wolves have suffered defeat in 12 of them, they have drawn four times and managed four victories. Among them is the glorious 5-1 thrashing during the title-winning 2008/09 season, when Grafite scored the goal of the season with a back-heel. There’s also the 4-1 win at the start of the second half of the 2014/15 campaign, the first competitive game after the tragic death of Junior Malanda. Bayern are currently top of both the home and away table, but if they are at all vulnerable then it’s on the road. Indeed, the only time they have dropped points at home this season was the 2-2 draw against the Wolves, but the Reds have lost twice away from home and drawn once.
Nine-match winning run
Jupp Heynckes’ side’s form only underlines that VfL once again face a difficult challenge against FCB. Last weekend’s 2-1 triumph against Schalke 04 was the Bundesliga leaders’ ninth win in a row. The Wolves, who lost 3-1 at Werder Bremen last time out, will of course will be hoping to deny them a tenth, even though their record at the Volkswagen Arena so far this season is not great. Head coach Martin Schmidt’s side have only lost twice at home but at the same time they have only won twice.
