The eyes of a football-hungry public will be fixed on their TVs this weekend as the Bundesliga becomes the first major league in the world to resume play amid the coronavirus pandemic.
There is sure to be a surge in viewers across the world and the PA news agency has looked at the return of German top flight amid the Covid-19 crisis and some of the things to keep an eye on.
Why is the Bundesliga returning in the middle of a pandemic?
The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 season will resume from May 16th. In both leagues, the season will continue with the 26th matchday. The other matchdays will follow in the order originally scheduled.
ℹ️ https://t.co/7HVf6EwmkN pic.twitter.com/8NffqkFsaN
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) May 7, 2020
Like every league across the continent, the German top-flight has been suspended since mid-March after initial plans to continue playing behind closed doors were scrapped. But German Football League (DFL) chief executive Christian Seifert has made his desire for play to resume as soon as possible kown throughout the suspension, outlining the plan to kick off in mid-May at the start of April.
How can they restart?
Has it been straightforward?
What is the state of play in the Bundesliga?
Gladbach leapfrog Leverkusen and regain their position in the top 4️⃣ ?#BundesligaMD25 pic.twitter.com/VB7BS8nEkx
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) March 11, 2020
Despite such issues, play is due to kick-off in front of empty stands on Saturday – and there is plenty to play for at both ends of the table as the season enters the closing stages. The Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 is the pick of this weekend’s fixtures, with Lucien Favre’s men having the chance to reduce leaders Bayern Munich’s lead to a point ahead of the perennial champions’ match against Union Berlin on Sunday. Third-place RB Leipzig are looking to maintain their title push at home to Freiburg, with struggling Werder Bremen hosting Champions League qualification hopefuls Bayer Leverkusen on Monday evening.
Who to watch out for?
