De Pauw’s approach in his penultimate home game as Bayer 04 coach is clear. “They’ve planned a party. We’ve got something against that. Decisive games like this aren’t easy because there’s a special pressure,” said the Dutchman, also adding with a grin: “It’d also be nicer for them to secure the title at home.” Memories of 20 May 2023 are providing encouragement for him and his players: “Last year we delayed the title celebrations. We believe we can do it again.”
The fact that Bayern left no doubt in who would win as they prevailed 3-0 in the reverse fixture, when de Pauw was ill and his assistant Jessie van den Broek stepped in, does not unsettle the Dutchman. “We didn’t do that bad that day. Bayern just allowed so little after the first goal. But still, there were moments where we came back. Unfortunately, we weren’t clinical, which you need against a top team like them.” He’s also aware: “We won’t get many chances this time either.”
The quality of the champions-elect is indisputable. Alexander Straus’s team have won their last 11 competitive fixtures in a row and haven’t lost since 20 December in the UEFA Women’s Champions League away at Ajax (1-0). In the Bundesliga, the Munich team are still unbeaten with 16 wins and three draws. “They’re on an excellent run and in a flow. As well as their class in open play, there’s also their strength at set pieces,” de Pauw said in recognition.
Nevertheless, Bayer 04 (28 points) want to keep pace with Essen (29) in the race for fifth place. The 1-0 loss at promoted RB Leipzig should just be a small blip. “We only allowed one chance there, and it resulted in a goal. As well as the clinicalness required, we also lacked some luck,” de Pauw stated. He’s expecting a different sort of game against the confident league leaders. “Bayern will apply pressure early, but it means we’ll get space. We trust in our defence, want to stay in the game as long as possible and show our own quality from set pieces.”
Synne Skinnes Hansen is back in the squad following her thigh issue. Charlotte Voll (shoulder) and Melissa Friedrich (ankle) are still out. There are still tickets available to buy online or on the gate.
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