Compressed COVID Calendar: Uly Watch and Der Klassiker

It’s not very often that you get an opportunity to see Der Klassiker on a Tuesday in late May (ok, it never happens), but here we are. With the compressed schedule following the delays due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Germany’s Bundesliga has multiple matches this week. So if you’re still stuck at home, be sure to put these matches on:

Tuesday

Bayern Munich VS Borussia Dormtund (FS1 and Fox Deportes, 12:30 PM ET)

Gio Reyna returned to the Dortmund squad on Saturday for their 2-0 win over John Brooks and VFL Wolfsburg. The 17-year-old came off the bench in the 79th minute but didn’t do much in his 11 minutes plus injury time. Today, he may get his first opportunity in the major matchup at the Westfalenstadion with Bayern Munich. This match has huge title implications with Borussia Dortmund trailing by only four points. If Dortmund can pull off the victory, it will be a very tight race likely down to the last day of the season. If Bayern wins, they will be in prime position to win the league yet again (they would be at least seven points clear of anyone else with just six matches remaining). Perhaps Reyna will be given his first start today after coming off the bench on Saturday? We’ll see.

VFL Wolfsburg VS Bayer Leverkusen (FS2 and Fox Deportes, 2:30 PM ET)

We’re officially on Uly Watch! Due to a red card suspension to teammate Felix Klaus and some injuries, Ulysses Llanez and a few other youth players have been added to the squad travelling to Leverkusen today. Whatever the circumstances, we’re still very excited to see him potentially make his first team debut today. On top of that, there’s always the extra opportunity to watch John Brooks against a very good and in form Bayer Leverkusen attack. This match is one with European competition spots at stake. Wolfsburg is in the sixth and final Europa League spot, two points up on Freiburg and Schalke. Leverkusen is in the final Champions League qualification spot, one point up on Borussia Mönchengladbach. Hopefully Wolfsburg can pull off a win and we can see the 19-year-old LA Galaxy Academy product make his debut!

Werder Bremen VS Borussia Mönchengladbach (Fox Soccer Matchpass and TUDN, 2:30 PM ET)

Josh Sargent was back in the starting lineup on Saturday and put in a hard-working 65-minute shift in Bremen’s much-needed victory against Freiburg. The 20-year-old has been in and out of their lineup all season, but hopefully Saturday was a sign that Kohfeldt will continue to look his way. Today’s matchup is a very solid Borussia Mönchengladbach team that has the final Champions League spot in their sights. Both teams are desperate for points though, because Bremen are seeking a way out of their relegation situation. Following the win on Saturday, Bremen are three points behind Fortuna Düsseldorf for the Relegation Playoff spot and six points behind FSV Mainz for safety. Any points for them today would be a victory.

Quick Notes:

Eintracht Frankfurt VS Freiburg (Fox Soccer Matchpass, 2:30 PM ET)

Timothy Chandler subbed on at halftime against Bayern Munich on Sunday. There’s a decent chance he’ll start today.

Wednesday

RB Leipzig VS Hertha Berlin (FS2 and TUDN, 12:30 PM ET)

Tyler Adams came off the bench and looked very sharp playing in midfield on Sunday. The 21-year-old may well get the start with squad rotation against Hertha Berlin. Leipzig are in third place in the Bundesliga, but Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach are nipping at their heels. They need to keep getting results if they want to hang on for a Champions League spot next season.

Quick Notes:

FC Schalke VS Fortuna Düsseldorf (FS2 and Fox Deportes, 2:30 PM ET)

Weston McKennie has been a consistent starter, but Schalke is in shambles at the moment. Alfredo Morales and Düsseldorf are trying to avoid relegation.

Hit the comment section to discuss the performances and keep an eye out for Ulysses Llanez.