Ralf Rangnick: '50/50' tie between RB Leipzig and Bayern could decide Bundesliga title race
Ralf Rangnick expects next week's Bundesliga clash between RB Leipzig and Bayern München to be a tight game that could decide the race for the title.
Former RB Leipzig chief Ralf Rangnick has looked ahead to his former club's top-of-the-table clash against Bayern München next week.
With reigning champions and league leaders Bayern München currently four points clear of second-placed Leipzig, the result could turn out to be decisive in the title race, according to Rangnick, who predicts a close affair.
"I think it will be a very tight game, just as the last few have been. I think the last three games between the two teams have been drawn and in the years before we were close to beating them at times. I remember the cup game back then, with a few questionable decisions as far as penalties and red cards were concerned. It has been very close in recent years and I expect more of the same this time," Rangnick said in an interview with Bundesliga.com.
"I think it'll be a very close game which will come down to small factors like who can take the lead first or who's able to control the flow of the match. I think it'll depend a bit on form because of that. I can see a few advantages as far as the bench is concerned because I believe RB have a deeper squad than Bayern at the moment.
"Even so, when Bayern have everybody available and fit, which is difficult at the moment due to injuries and coronavirus, they're the measuring stick for everyone. In a single game, anything can happen though and I think it's a very even tie that I see as 50/50 going into it."
Asked who he believes will win the Bundesliga this season, Rangnick responded:
"I think the game between the two will be something of a decider. It isn't the be-all and end-all, but it'll play a big part. Bayern lead by four points, so RB really need to win against them. RB are in a position where they practically have to win the game to stay in the title race. It's leaning towards Bayern at the moment, but that game will be a big indication of who will win. If it's a draw or if RB win then it could really be an exciting race until the final day of the season."
RB Leipzig and Bayern lock horns at Red Bull Arena next Saturday at 18.30 CET.