The Bundesliga returns on Saturday in empty stadiums, but German fans are being warned to stay away and authorities have warned matches could be halted if too many supporters gather outside the grounds.

German football will be blazing a trail among Europe's top leagues&nbsp;by resuming two months after it was halted by the spread of coronavirus, but its strategy is fraught with risks.

In a football-mad country which boasts the highest average attendances&nbsp;in the world, will supporters banished from stadiums be able to stay away?

In Saxony, where third-placed RB Leipzig will host mid-table Freiburg on Saturday afternoon, the state's Interior Minister Roland Woeller has issued a clear threat.

"Fans must not use matches behind closed doors as an excuse to gather in front of the stadiums or elsewhere," he said.

"This could lead to matches being stopped."

His concerns are justified.

Several hundred fans gathered in Moenchengladbach when the hosts beat 2-1 Cologne on March 11 -- the only previous German league game played behind locked doors, just days before the shutdown.

Eintracht Frankfurt have appealed to their supporters before they resume their season against 'Gladbach on Saturday.

"We've talked a lot with our fans and said: 'listen guys, don't show up at the stadium'," Frankfurt's sports director Fredi Bobic told ESPN.

Under German league rules put in place to resume the season, the home side is responsible for ensuring fans do not try to approach the stadium to support their team from a distance.

After weeks of meticulous planning and mass testing of players and backroom staff, it would be a nightmare for the Bundesliga if the fans were to derail the fragile recovery attempt.

Christian Seifert, CEO of the Bundesliga, does not expect fans to play into the hands of critics who fear they will mass outside grounds despite large public events being banned in Germany.

Seifert accused the critics predicting that football fans would fail to respect the pleas for restraint of making "sweeping statements".

"I don't believe that the fan scene and the fan organisations will do their critics... the favour of behaving in exactly the way" that those doomsayers fear, he said.

The Bundesliga boss said all the talks he had held on the issue "do not give any indication" that supporters will gather.

Broadcaster Sky has agreed to show some of Saturday's matches on a free-to-air channel, allaying fears that fans will gather in bars or public places which have a subscription for the pay-per-view service.

<h2>- Historic first -</h2>

However, Seifert says while they are taking every reasonable step to discourage fans from meeting up, "the DFL's responsibility ends at a certain point".

The centrepiece of Saturday's return to action is Borussia Dortmund at home to Schalke in the Ruhr derby, a match which would usually draw a crowd of 82,000 to Signal Iduna Park.

Instead, it will be the first time this fixture is played behind closed doors since it began in 1925.

Germany's huge stadiums - for example Bayern Munich's enormous Allianz Arena holds 75,000 - will remain empty for the forseeable future.

There are fears in the German football scene that the 'Ultras' -- hardcore fans who often lead the chanting at matches -- will lose their hard-earned influence at their clubs.

Some groups of these hardcore supporters are opposed to games being played in empty stadiums, because they feel the initiative is driven by financial reasons.

The clubs are eager to finish the league season before June 30 in order to collect around 300 million euros ($324 million) due from TV contracts.

Helen Breit from the nationwide football supporters group "Unsere Kurve" (Our Curve) said she refused to watch a single match without fans on television.

"For me, football is in the stadiums," she told Munich-based paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

"I've been going to almost every Freiburg match for more than ten years and watching football on TV is not an option for me."

<h2>- Football is 'sick' -</h2>

Another group feels the resumption of football during a pandemic, which has claimed 7,500 lives in Germany, shows how "sick" professional football has become.

"A continuation of the season would be sheer mockery of the rest of society," &nbsp;Ultras groups across Germany said in a joint statement last month.

"Professional football is sick enough and should remain in quarantine."

But for the vast majority of fans, the decision to play the nine remaining round of matches behind closed doors makes the best of a bad situation.

Even if the fans cannot be in the stands in person, Moenchengladbach have found a novel way of allowing them to be seen by the players -- for 19 euros ($21), Gladbach fans can buy a cardboard cut-out of themselves which will be placed on the terraces of Borussia Stadium.

The Bundesliga returns on Saturday in empty stadiums, but German fans are being warned to stay away and authorities have warned matches could be halted if too many supporters gather outside the grounds.

The Bundesliga returns on Saturday in empty stadiums, but German fans are being warned to stay away and authorities have warned matches could be halted if too many supporters gather outside the grounds. German football will be blazing a trail among Europe's top leagues by resuming two months after it was halted by the spread of coronavirus, but its strategy is fraught with risks. In a football-mad country which boasts the highest average attendances in the world, will supporters banished from stadiums be able to stay away? In Saxony, where third-placed RB Leipzig will host mid-table Freiburg on Saturday afternoon, the state's Interior Minister Roland Woeller has issued a clear threat. "Fans must not use matches behind closed doors as an excuse to gather in front of the stadiums or elsewhere," he said. "This could lead to matches being stopped." His concerns are justified. Several hundred fans gathered in Moenchengladbach when the hosts beat 2-1 Cologne on March 11 -- the only previous German league game played behind locked doors, just days before the shutdown. Eintracht Frankfurt have appealed to their supporters before they resume their season against 'Gladbach on Saturday. "We've talked a lot with our fans and said: 'listen guys, don't show up at the stadium'," Frankfurt's sports director Fredi Bobic told ESPN. Under German league rules put in place to resume the season, the home side is responsible for ensuring fans do not try to approach the stadium to support their team from a distance. After weeks of meticulous planning and mass testing of players and backroom staff, it would be a nightmare for the Bundesliga if the fans were to derail the fragile recovery attempt. Christian Seifert, CEO of the Bundesliga, does not expect fans to play into the hands of critics who fear they will mass outside grounds despite large public events being banned in Germany. Seifert accused the critics predicting that football fans would fail to respect the pleas for restraint of making "sweeping statements". "I don't believe that the fan scene and the fan organisations will do their critics... the favour of behaving in exactly the way" that those doomsayers fear, he said. The Bundesliga boss said all the talks he had held on the issue "do not give any indication" that supporters will gather. Broadcaster Sky has agreed to show some of Saturday's matches on a free-to-air channel, allaying fears that fans will gather in bars or public places which have a subscription for the pay-per-view service. - Historic first - However, Seifert says while they are taking every reasonable step to discourage fans from meeting up, "the DFL's responsibility ends at a certain point". The centrepiece of Saturday's return to action is Borussia Dortmund at home to Schalke in the Ruhr derby, a match which would usually draw a crowd of 82,000 to Signal Iduna Park. Instead, it will be the first time this fixture is played behind closed doors since it began in 1925. Germany's huge stadiums - for example Bayern Munich's enormous Allianz Arena holds 75,000 - will remain empty for the forseeable future. There are fears in the German football scene that the 'Ultras' -- hardcore fans who often lead the chanting at matches -- will lose their hard-earned influence at their clubs. Some groups of these hardcore supporters are opposed to games being played in empty stadiums, because they feel the initiative is driven by financial reasons. The clubs are eager to finish the league season before June 30 in order to collect around 300 million euros ($324 million) due from TV contracts. Helen Breit from the nationwide football supporters group "Unsere Kurve" (Our Curve) said she refused to watch a single match without fans on television. "For me, football is in the stadiums," she told Munich-based paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung. "I've been going to almost every Freiburg match for more than ten years and watching football on TV is not an option for me." - Football is 'sick' - Another group feels the resumption of football during a pandemic, which has claimed 7,500 lives in Germany, shows how "sick" professional football has become. "A continuation of the season would be sheer mockery of the rest of society," Ultras groups across Germany said in a joint statement last month. "Professional football is sick enough and should remain in quarantine." But for the vast majority of fans, the decision to play the nine remaining round of matches behind closed doors makes the best of a bad situation. Even if the fans cannot be in the stands in person, Moenchengladbach have found a novel way of allowing them to be seen by the players -- for 19 euros ($21), Gladbach fans can buy a cardboard cut-out of themselves which will be placed on the terraces of Borussia Stadium.

'Stay away' - German fans warned ahead of Bundesliga restart

David Alaba says Bayern Munich are "hungry" and enjoying their return to full-team training ahead of the restart of the Bundesliga this weekend behind closed doors.

The German top flight resumes on Saturday after the season was suspended in mid-March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

It will be the first major European league to resume after the outbreak of the pandemic, which has so far claimed around 7,500 lives in Germany.

Bayern coach Hansi Flick has been putting his players through their paces in training sessions at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern, who were four points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund in their bid for an eighth straight Bundesliga title when football was halted, restart their season at Union Berlin on Sunday.

"It was really very, very nice to be back on the pitch, training as a whole team," said Alaba.

"You could tell how much we have all looked forward to this moment.

"You could feel that in training, everyone was hungry -- and looking forward to the first game."

<h2>- 'Extreme challenge' -</h2>

Chancellor Angela Merkel approved the league's plan to restart with regular testing of players and strict hygiene measures in place.

Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert has warned clubs they are "on probation" because of fears an outbreak of the virus in the competition could again see the season suspended.

The clubs are now holding practice sessions featuring the whole squad after weeks of training in small groups.

Dortmund host arch rivals Schalke on Saturday in the first derby without spectators in the rivalry's 95-year history.

Dortmund played the first of two training matches at Signal Iduna Park without injured midfielders Axel Witsel and Emre Can.

"We are used to playing at home in front of 82,000," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre told German daily Bild.

"To prepare mentally now to play without being cheered and without being pushed by the atmosphere is an extreme challenge."

<h2>- 'Stick to the rules' -</h2>

RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann is hoping his side can treat the remainder of the campaign as a mini-tournament to help them rekindle their title challenge.

The third-placed outfit, five points behind Bayern, host mid-table Freiburg on Saturday.

"The whole situation is like before a tournament: we all had a short break, then a relaxed phase and now an intense preparation," Nagelsmann told magazine Kicker.

"When Bayern are on top form, they usually decide the league title for themselves, especially with this lead.

"We're going to try to win this nine-game tournament -- with the theoretical possibility of finishing first."

Nagelsmann said the onus is on the players to obey the hygiene regulations.

"You don't have to have studied nuclear physics to understand that it is advisable to stick to the rules," he said.

"After all, if there are no more matches, the salaries will be significantly lower than before."

Clubs must finish the season by June 30 in order to collect around 300 million euros ($324 million) in television money.

David Alaba says Bayern Munich are "hungry" and enjoying their return to full-team training ahead of the restart of the Bundesliga this weekend behind closed doors.

David Alaba says Bayern Munich are "hungry" and enjoying their return to full-team training ahead of the restart of the Bundesliga this weekend behind closed doors. The German top flight resumes on Saturday after the season was suspended in mid-March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. It will be the first major European league to resume after the outbreak of the pandemic, which has so far claimed around 7,500 lives in Germany. Bayern coach Hansi Flick has been putting his players through their paces in training sessions at the Allianz Arena. Bayern, who were four points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund in their bid for an eighth straight Bundesliga title when football was halted, restart their season at Union Berlin on Sunday. "It was really very, very nice to be back on the pitch, training as a whole team," said Alaba. "You could tell how much we have all looked forward to this moment. "You could feel that in training, everyone was hungry -- and looking forward to the first game." - 'Extreme challenge' - Chancellor Angela Merkel approved the league's plan to restart with regular testing of players and strict hygiene measures in place. Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert has warned clubs they are "on probation" because of fears an outbreak of the virus in the competition could again see the season suspended. The clubs are now holding practice sessions featuring the whole squad after weeks of training in small groups. Dortmund host arch rivals Schalke on Saturday in the first derby without spectators in the rivalry's 95-year history. Dortmund played the first of two training matches at Signal Iduna Park without injured midfielders Axel Witsel and Emre Can. "We are used to playing at home in front of 82,000," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre told German daily Bild. "To prepare mentally now to play without being cheered and without being pushed by the atmosphere is an extreme challenge." - 'Stick to the rules' - RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann is hoping his side can treat the remainder of the campaign as a mini-tournament to help them rekindle their title challenge. The third-placed outfit, five points behind Bayern, host mid-table Freiburg on Saturday. "The whole situation is like before a tournament: we all had a short break, then a relaxed phase and now an intense preparation," Nagelsmann told magazine Kicker. "When Bayern are on top form, they usually decide the league title for themselves, especially with this lead. "We're going to try to win this nine-game tournament -- with the theoretical possibility of finishing first." Nagelsmann said the onus is on the players to obey the hygiene regulations. "You don't have to have studied nuclear physics to understand that it is advisable to stick to the rules," he said. "After all, if there are no more matches, the salaries will be significantly lower than before." Clubs must finish the season by June 30 in order to collect around 300 million euros ($324 million) in television money.

'Hungry' Bayern delighted to be back in training, says Alaba

With the Angela Merkel-led German government giving clearance to the resumption of football season, the Bundesliga is gearing up for a return on May 16. The Bundesliga will resume services from matchday 26 with some exciting fixtures ready to enthral football lovers who have been missing the beautiful game amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Bundesliga will be kicking off with one of the best derbies in the world – The Ruhr Valley Derby – played between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04. Dortmund (51) are currently placed second in the points table four points behind leaders Bayern Munich (55) and would be hoping to defeat their arch-rivals and sixth-placed Schalke (37) in the opening clash of the matchday 26.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-jofra-archer-to-james-maddison-epremier-league-2-kicks-off-with-enthralling-action-on-fifa-20-297400" hreflang="en">From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20</a>

Red Bull Leipzig will take on Freiburg whereas Hoffenheim will lock horns with Hertha Berlin. Dusseldorf will face Paderborn and Augsburg will meet Wolfsburg whereas Frankfurt will take on Borussia Monchengladbach in what promises to be another exciting match-up.

On May 17, FC Koln will face Mainz whereas 11th placed Union Berlin will meet defending champions and current leaders Bayern Munich. Matchday 26 will end with Bremen locking horns with Bayern Leverkusen on May 18.

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<h2>Bundesliga – Matchday 26 - Complete Fixture</h2>

May 16

Dortmund vs Schalke

RB Leipzig vs Freiburg

Hoffenheim vs Hertha Berlin

Dusseldorf vs Paderborn

Augsburg vs Wolfsburg

Frankfurt vs Monchengladbach

May 17

FC Koln vs Mainz

Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich

May 18

Werder Bremen vs Bayern Leverkusen 
&nbsp;

With the Angela Merkel-led German government giving clearance to the resumption of football season, the Bundesliga is gearing up for a return on May 16. The Bundesliga will resume services from matchday 26 with some exciting fixtures ready to enthral football lovers who have been missing the beautiful game amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the Angela Merkel-led German government giving clearance to the resumption of football season, the Bundesliga is gearing up for a return on May 16. The Bundesliga will resume services from matchday 26 with some exciting fixtures ready to enthral football lovers who have been missing the beautiful game amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Bundesliga will be kicking off with one of the best derbies in the world – The Ruhr Valley Derby – played between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04. Dortmund (51) are currently placed second in the points table four points behind leaders Bayern Munich (55) and would be hoping to defeat their arch-rivals and sixth-placed Schalke (37) in the opening clash of the matchday 26. ALSO READ: From Jofra Archer to James Maddison: ePremier League 2 kicks off with enthralling action on FIFA 20 Red Bull Leipzig will take on Freiburg whereas Hoffenheim will lock horns with Hertha Berlin. Dusseldorf will face Paderborn and Augsburg will meet Wolfsburg whereas Frankfurt will take on Borussia Monchengladbach in what promises to be another exciting match-up. On May 17, FC Koln will face Mainz whereas 11th placed Union Berlin will meet defending champions and current leaders Bayern Munich. Matchday 26 will end with Bremen locking horns with Bayern Leverkusen on May 18. ALSO READ: Spurs hotshot Son Heung-min earns military accolade Bundesliga – Matchday 26 - Complete Fixture May 16 Dortmund vs Schalke RB Leipzig vs Freiburg Hoffenheim vs Hertha Berlin Dusseldorf vs Paderborn Augsburg vs Wolfsburg Frankfurt vs Monchengladbach May 17 FC Koln vs Mainz Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich May 18 Werder Bremen vs Bayern Leverkusen

Ruhr Derby to kick-start Bundesliga resumption - Here's complete matchday 26 fixture list

The Bundesliga will resume on May 15, the German league confirmed Wednesday, after Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders gave the green light to restart behind closed doors following weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The German Football League (DFL) confirmed the restart date to AFP subsidiary SID on Wednesday night.

"After weighing up all the arguments, the DFL Executive Committee decided today... to resume play in the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga from 15 May 2020," the DFL said in a statement to magazine Kicker.

Germany's top-flight will become the first of Europe's major leagues to return to the field.

"Matches will be allowed under the approved rules," said Merkel at a press conference in Berlin.

Germany's top politicians approved a plan for the Bundesliga to resume in stadiums without spectators and with players regularly tested.

Permission was granted on condition that strict guidelines are followed -- with a hygiene officer appointed to each team -- to prevent contagion of the virus.

Bayern Munich and Germany captain Manuel Neuer said the players now had an "enormous responsibility" to be role models and follow the hygiene guidelines.

Representatives from the 36 clubs in the country's top two divisions will finalise details in a videoconference on Thursday.

<h2>- 'Wonderful signal' -</h2>

"Today's decision is good news for the Bundesliga," said the league's CEO Christian Seifert.

"It's a great responsibility for the clubs to implement the medical and organisational guidelines in a disciplined manner."

Bayern Munich, seeking their eighth consecutive Geman title, were four points clear at the top of the table when play was halted in mid-March.

"It's a good feeling. We are now looking forward to being able to resume playing," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, adding the decision was "an important and wonderful signal for the Bundesliga".

His opposite number at Borussia Dortmund -- the club second in the table behind Bayern -- also welcomed the news.

"We are very pleased that people in Germany have behaved so magnificently that the spread of the pandemic has at least been contained," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

"Only because the population has been incredibly disciplined can we now gradually move on to another form of normality."

Germany has about 165,000 coronavirus cases and 7,000 deaths, meaning it has so far prevented its hospitals becoming as overburdened as other European countries.

Economic reasons are also driving the decision to allow football to resume.

With 13 of the 36 teams in Germany's top two divisions reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy, the league desperately needs to claim around 300 million euros ($325 million) from TV contracts if the season is completed.

The league has long urged restarting play, which it says is vital for a sector that employs 56,000 people in Germany.

Teams returned to training on April 6 although sessions have followed stringent social distancing rules.

<h2>- 10 cases of coronavirus -</h2>

The league says its intensive testing plan allows matches to be relaunched with low risk to health.

So far, clubs in the top two divisions have returned 10 positive results for coronavirus from 1,724 tests since training resumed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three are from the Cologne club and two from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Health Minister Jens Spahn has argued that the testing regime "makes sense and can serve as an example for other forms of professional sport," although he warned "it has to be lived up to".

The league and politicians reacted with consternation when Hertha Berlin player Salomon Kalou filmed himself shaking hands with teammates this week, flaunting the social distancing rules that clubs have put in place.

"The video has done the German league and professional football a disservice," Anja Stahmann, who chairs Germany's regional sports ministers, told RBB radio on Wednesday.

Hertha have suspended Kalou, and the 34-year-old former Chelsea player has apologised.

<h2>- Different approaches -</h2>

Leagues across Europe are taking different approaches to the unprecedented crisis.

The French league announced last week it will not resume the season, with Paris Saint-Germain awarded the top-flight title.

The Netherlands abandoned its season a week earlier.

The English Premier League, Europe's richest league, aims to restart in June, but differences have emerged over plans to use neutral stadiums.

Players in Italy's Serie A returned to training this week and in Spain, Barcelona say players underwent coronavirus tests on Wednesday as La Liga clubs began restricted training ahead of a proposed resumption of the season next month.

The Serbian, Croatian and Turkish leagues have also announced plans for matches to restart.

The Bundesliga will resume on May 15, the German league confirmed Wednesday, after Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders gave the green light to restart behind closed doors following weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The Bundesliga will resume on May 15, the German league confirmed Wednesday, after Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders gave the green light to restart behind closed doors following weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus. The German Football League (DFL) confirmed the restart date to AFP subsidiary SID on Wednesday night. "After weighing up all the arguments, the DFL Executive Committee decided today... to resume play in the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga from 15 May 2020," the DFL said in a statement to magazine Kicker. Germany's top-flight will become the first of Europe's major leagues to return to the field. "Matches will be allowed under the approved rules," said Merkel at a press conference in Berlin. Germany's top politicians approved a plan for the Bundesliga to resume in stadiums without spectators and with players regularly tested. Permission was granted on condition that strict guidelines are followed -- with a hygiene officer appointed to each team -- to prevent contagion of the virus. Bayern Munich and Germany captain Manuel Neuer said the players now had an "enormous responsibility" to be role models and follow the hygiene guidelines. Representatives from the 36 clubs in the country's top two divisions will finalise details in a videoconference on Thursday. - 'Wonderful signal' - "Today's decision is good news for the Bundesliga," said the league's CEO Christian Seifert. "It's a great responsibility for the clubs to implement the medical and organisational guidelines in a disciplined manner." Bayern Munich, seeking their eighth consecutive Geman title, were four points clear at the top of the table when play was halted in mid-March. "It's a good feeling. We are now looking forward to being able to resume playing," said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, adding the decision was "an important and wonderful signal for the Bundesliga". His opposite number at Borussia Dortmund -- the club second in the table behind Bayern -- also welcomed the news. "We are very pleased that people in Germany have behaved so magnificently that the spread of the pandemic has at least been contained," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. "Only because the population has been incredibly disciplined can we now gradually move on to another form of normality." Germany has about 165,000 coronavirus cases and 7,000 deaths, meaning it has so far prevented its hospitals becoming as overburdened as other European countries. Economic reasons are also driving the decision to allow football to resume. With 13 of the 36 teams in Germany's top two divisions reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy, the league desperately needs to claim around 300 million euros ($325 million) from TV contracts if the season is completed. The league has long urged restarting play, which it says is vital for a sector that employs 56,000 people in Germany. Teams returned to training on April 6 although sessions have followed stringent social distancing rules. - 10 cases of coronavirus - The league says its intensive testing plan allows matches to be relaunched with low risk to health. So far, clubs in the top two divisions have returned 10 positive results for coronavirus from 1,724 tests since training resumed. Three are from the Cologne club and two from Borussia Moenchengladbach. Health Minister Jens Spahn has argued that the testing regime "makes sense and can serve as an example for other forms of professional sport," although he warned "it has to be lived up to". The league and politicians reacted with consternation when Hertha Berlin player Salomon Kalou filmed himself shaking hands with teammates this week, flaunting the social distancing rules that clubs have put in place. "The video has done the German league and professional football a disservice," Anja Stahmann, who chairs Germany's regional sports ministers, told RBB radio on Wednesday. Hertha have suspended Kalou, and the 34-year-old former Chelsea player has apologised. - Different approaches - Leagues across Europe are taking different approaches to the unprecedented crisis. The French league announced last week it will not resume the season, with Paris Saint-Germain awarded the top-flight title. The Netherlands abandoned its season a week earlier. The English Premier League, Europe's richest league, aims to restart in June, but differences have emerged over plans to use neutral stadiums. Players in Italy's Serie A returned to training this week and in Spain, Barcelona say players underwent coronavirus tests on Wednesday as La Liga clubs began restricted training ahead of a proposed resumption of the season next month. The Serbian, Croatian and Turkish leagues have also announced plans for matches to restart.

Bundesliga to restart on May 15 after Merkel gives go-ahead

Germany’s top-flight league – Bundesliga – will resume on May 16, as confirmed by the German Football League (DFL) on Thursday as it becomes the first major European league to restart amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The final matchday of the Bundesliga 2019-20 season will be played on June 27/28 as the German league looks to end the halted campaign under the terms of a strict health protocol that bans fans from the stadium.

High-profile Ruhr derby between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04 is scheduled to be played on the relaunch day.&nbsp;

While it was no normal restart given the empty stands and other restrictions, it was crucial to resume play, DFL CEO Christian Seifert told a news conference after a meeting with first and second division clubs following Angela Merkel-led government’s decision to give a nod to Bundesliga’s restart.&nbsp;

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The DFL, in all likelihood, will finish the season by June 30 to be contractually in compliance with sponsors and broadcasters. The sporting body had warned any further delay could be “existence-threatening” for some clubs.

“The season finale will take place at the end of June,” Seifert said.

Bundesliga, like all other major footballing leagues, has been on a pause since mid-March due to COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/league-by-league-guide-to-european-footballs-coronavirus-shutdown-297145" hreflang="en">League-by-league guide to European football's coronavirus shutdown</a>

Bundesliga’s progress following the resumption is likely to be closely watched by other leagues contemplating to restart their respective season.

German clubs have been training since mid-April under strict conditions including COVID-19 testing of players and coaching staff. &nbsp;The country has reported more than 166,000 infections and more than 7,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, chasing an eighth successive title, lead the standings with 55 points off 25 matches and are four ahead of Borussia Dortmund with Red Bull Leipzig sitting third with 50 points to their name. There are nine rounds of matches left to play. 
&nbsp;

Germany’s top-flight league – Bundesliga – will resume on May 16, as confirmed by the German Football League (DFL) on Thursday as it becomes the first major European league to restart amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Germany’s top-flight league – Bundesliga – will resume on May 16, as confirmed by the German Football League (DFL) on Thursday as it becomes the first major European league to restart amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The final matchday of the Bundesliga 2019-20 season will be played on June 27/28 as the German league looks to end the halted campaign under the terms of a strict health protocol that bans fans from the stadium. High-profile Ruhr derby between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04 is scheduled to be played on the relaunch day. While it was no normal restart given the empty stands and other restrictions, it was crucial to resume play, DFL CEO Christian Seifert told a news conference after a meeting with first and second division clubs following Angela Merkel-led government’s decision to give a nod to Bundesliga’s restart. ALSO READ: Italy decides fate of suspended football season The DFL, in all likelihood, will finish the season by June 30 to be contractually in compliance with sponsors and broadcasters. The sporting body had warned any further delay could be “existence-threatening” for some clubs. “The season finale will take place at the end of June,” Seifert said. Bundesliga, like all other major footballing leagues, has been on a pause since mid-March due to COVID-19 outbreak. ALSO READ: League-by-league guide to European football's coronavirus shutdown Bundesliga’s progress following the resumption is likely to be closely watched by other leagues contemplating to restart their respective season. German clubs have been training since mid-April under strict conditions including COVID-19 testing of players and coaching staff. The country has reported more than 166,000 infections and more than 7,000 deaths. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, chasing an eighth successive title, lead the standings with 55 points off 25 matches and are four ahead of Borussia Dortmund with Red Bull Leipzig sitting third with 50 points to their name. There are nine rounds of matches left to play.

Official: Bundesliga to resume on May 16; final game-week to be played on June 27/28

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement.&nbsp;

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According to Germany's top brass,&nbsp;restarting games for their first and second division will help "limit economic damage" for 36 clubs.&nbsp;

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Bundesliga is the top-flight league n German football followed by a second division league, both have 36 clubs and more than a dozen of them are on brink of bankruptcy. The league will earn nearly 300 million euros from TV contract if the season is allowed to complete.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be setting a date for the football season to resume. The date will be announced after a telephone conference between the Chancellor and the State Premiers.

According to few media reports, the season could resume from May 21, and if it does, Bundesliga will become the first European football league to return into action.&nbsp;

The teams have returned to training since April 6 but the rules of social distancing are strictly followed.&nbsp;

"Restarting match activity must be preceded by a two-week quarantine, where appropriate in the form of a training camp" for players,"&nbsp;the document read.

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement.

The German government are set to allow football matches to take place after weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus lockdown. The matches will begin in May and will be played behind closed doors, according to the draft government agreement. Also read: Halves shorter than 45 minutes? PFA chief Gordon Taylor hints at change of rules as Premier League gears up for return According to Germany's top brass, restarting games for their first and second division will help "limit economic damage" for 36 clubs. Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown Bundesliga is the top-flight league n German football followed by a second division league, both have 36 clubs and more than a dozen of them are on brink of bankruptcy. The league will earn nearly 300 million euros from TV contract if the season is allowed to complete. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be setting a date for the football season to resume. The date will be announced after a telephone conference between the Chancellor and the State Premiers. According to few media reports, the season could resume from May 21, and if it does, Bundesliga will become the first European football league to return into action. The teams have returned to training since April 6 but the rules of social distancing are strictly followed. "Restarting match activity must be preceded by a two-week quarantine, where appropriate in the form of a training camp" for players," the document read.

German Bundesliga set to resume in May to 'limit economic damage'

Germany's minister for the interior and sport said Sunday he supports a resumption of the country's football season this month despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne.

"I find the schedule proposed by the German league plausible and I support the restart in May," Horst Seehofer told Bild newspaper, three days before a meeting of German authorities to discuss the issue.

The German Football League (DFL) backs matches resuming without spectators around mid-May, which would make it the first major European championship to make such a move.

The sports ministers of the 16 German states have also approved the DFL's plans.

Seehofer, who plays a key government role on the issue as he holds several portfolios, has emphasised that the teams and players must respect several conditions.

"If there is a case of coronavirus in a team or its management, the club as a whole, and possibly also the team against which it last played, must go into quarantine for two weeks," he said.

"There will continue therefore to be risks for the schedule of matches and for the standings," if there is any contamination.

But he said clubs would not have any special testing privileges denied to the rest of the population. Some sides had suggested carrying out frequent tests of their players as a preventative measure against the virus.

Germany had reported 162,496 cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, but its death toll of 6,649 remains considerably lower than that of comparable European countries, which are home to the continent's other top football leagues.

<h2>- 'Health is priority' -</h2>

In France, Paris Saint-Germain were declared Ligue 1 champions on Thursday after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced professional sport could not resume before September.

Meanwhile, English Premier League clubs on Friday reconfirmed their commitment to finish the season subject to coronavirus restrictions being lifted.

There are still 92 games remaining. They will be behind closed doors with neutral venues suggested.

Also on Friday Italy's 20 Serie A clubs reiterated their unanimous desire to complete the season despite sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora saying the chances of restarting were "increasingly narrow".

In Spain, La Liga is planning to start testing players for the coronavirus between Tuesday and Thursday next week, after which they would then be able to resume individual training programmes within 48 hours.

Clubs in Germany resumed training in early April while adhering to strict social distancing guidelines. However, the risk is still apparent.

Cologne announced Friday three people had tested positive for the virus and were to be placed into a 14-day quarantine at home.

Cologne midfielder Birger Verstraete, whose partner suffers from a heart condition, said it was "strange" the club had not put the whole squad in quarantine following the tests, as suggested by Seehofer.

"It's not up to me to decide what to do in the Bundesliga but I can say my head is not in football" at the moment, he told Flemish TV station VTM. "The health of my family, of my partner is the priority."

Germany's minister for the interior and sport said Sunday he supports a resumption of the country's football season this month despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne.

Germany's minister for the interior and sport said Sunday he supports a resumption of the country's football season this month despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne. "I find the schedule proposed by the German league plausible and I support the restart in May," Horst Seehofer told Bild newspaper, three days before a meeting of German authorities to discuss the issue. The German Football League (DFL) backs matches resuming without spectators around mid-May, which would make it the first major European championship to make such a move. The sports ministers of the 16 German states have also approved the DFL's plans. Seehofer, who plays a key government role on the issue as he holds several portfolios, has emphasised that the teams and players must respect several conditions. "If there is a case of coronavirus in a team or its management, the club as a whole, and possibly also the team against which it last played, must go into quarantine for two weeks," he said. "There will continue therefore to be risks for the schedule of matches and for the standings," if there is any contamination. But he said clubs would not have any special testing privileges denied to the rest of the population. Some sides had suggested carrying out frequent tests of their players as a preventative measure against the virus. Germany had reported 162,496 cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, but its death toll of 6,649 remains considerably lower than that of comparable European countries, which are home to the continent's other top football leagues. - 'Health is priority' - In France, Paris Saint-Germain were declared Ligue 1 champions on Thursday after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced professional sport could not resume before September. Meanwhile, English Premier League clubs on Friday reconfirmed their commitment to finish the season subject to coronavirus restrictions being lifted. There are still 92 games remaining. They will be behind closed doors with neutral venues suggested. Also on Friday Italy's 20 Serie A clubs reiterated their unanimous desire to complete the season despite sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora saying the chances of restarting were "increasingly narrow". In Spain, La Liga is planning to start testing players for the coronavirus between Tuesday and Thursday next week, after which they would then be able to resume individual training programmes within 48 hours. Clubs in Germany resumed training in early April while adhering to strict social distancing guidelines. However, the risk is still apparent. Cologne announced Friday three people had tested positive for the virus and were to be placed into a 14-day quarantine at home. Cologne midfielder Birger Verstraete, whose partner suffers from a heart condition, said it was "strange" the club had not put the whole squad in quarantine following the tests, as suggested by Seehofer. "It's not up to me to decide what to do in the Bundesliga but I can say my head is not in football" at the moment, he told Flemish TV station VTM. "The health of my family, of my partner is the priority."

Influential German minister backs Bundesliga restart this month

Philippe Coutinho, who is currently on a loan in Bayern Munich has been for sale from the Catalonia side. Many Premier League teams have tried to approach the club to buy the Brazilian Playmaker.&nbsp;

But Bayern's Thiago has urged the Brazilian to permanent his stay in the German club. He said: "I know him well. He’s very good. I’ve seen him play since he was 12 years old.

"I played futsal against him in Brazil and he loved it. He doesn’t think he lacks anything.

"I love playing with high-level footballers and he is a phenomenon. He is a spectacular guy, super hard-working, with an unbeatable technique and incredible definition.

"Players go through good and not so good moments and he is giving us a lot. We hope to have him next year too."

Coutinho was bought in January 2018 on a record £142 million deal to Barcelona. But he struggled to find his form and went out for a loan to Bayern Munich, where he scored eight goals in 15 matches.&nbsp;

German giants are not expected to activate £100 million to purchase the 27-year-old due to being financially hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. This has given Chelsea and New Castle a chance to have their say in the transfer.

Philippe Coutinho, who is currently on a loan in Bayern Munich has been for sale from the Catalonia side. Many Premier League teams have tried to approach the club to buy the Brazilian Playmaker.

Philippe Coutinho, who is currently on a loan in Bayern Munich has been for sale from the Catalonia side. Many Premier League teams have tried to approach the club to buy the Brazilian Playmaker. But Bayern's Thiago has urged the Brazilian to permanent his stay in the German club. He said: "I know him well. He’s very good. I’ve seen him play since he was 12 years old. "I played futsal against him in Brazil and he loved it. He doesn’t think he lacks anything. "I love playing with high-level footballers and he is a phenomenon. He is a spectacular guy, super hard-working, with an unbeatable technique and incredible definition. "Players go through good and not so good moments and he is giving us a lot. We hope to have him next year too." Coutinho was bought in January 2018 on a record £142 million deal to Barcelona. But he struggled to find his form and went out for a loan to Bayern Munich, where he scored eight goals in 15 matches. German giants are not expected to activate £100 million to purchase the 27-year-old due to being financially hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. This has given Chelsea and New Castle a chance to have their say in the transfer.

Philippe Coutinho might snub English teams to stay in Bundesliga

Germany's ministry of labour wants footballers to wear masks as protection against the coronavirus if Angela Merkel's government gives the green light for the Bundesliga to return next month.

The German Football League (DFL) confirmed Thursday that they are ready for the Bundesliga to resume from May 9, albeit without fans in stadiums and with strict player hygiene measures in place.

The final decision will be made by German Chancellor Merkel and state leaders, who are due to meet in Berlin on Thursday.

Germany has been less affected by the pandemic, but currently has 5,321 deaths due to the virus.

According to magazine Spiegel, the Federal Ministry for Labour has drafted safety guidelines which include a recommendation players wear a mask which would "not slip in sprints, headers and challenges".

"Should the masks slip, the game must immediately be stopped", according to the draft, and because the masks would get wet fast due to exertion, they should be "replaced every 15 minutes at the latest".

Germany's team doctor Tim Meyer, part of the task force looking into how the German league can return, is sceptical.

"There have also been suggestions such as players should keep their distance in the free-kick wall," Meyer told the German press agency DPA.

"But then the spectators would no longer perceive football as authentic.

"If players played with masks, I don't think that would be accepted."

Another suggestion in the ministry guidelines is that each team be quarantined in a hotel for the duration of the season amid hopes it can be completed in Germany by June 30.

Players have already given a mixed response to the idea of being isolated for the nine remaining games of the season.

"I personally would find it extremely difficult to spend the next few weeks in a hotel and not be able to see my family," Eintracht Frankfurt defender Danny da Costa told reporters.

However, Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller said being placed in quarantine may be the only way to get the season finished.

"It is quite clear that football would submit to almost all the rules necessary to play," Mueller told magazine Sport Bild.

Germany's ministry of labour wants footballers to wear masks as protection against the coronavirus if Angela Merkel's government gives the green light for the Bundesliga to return next month.

Germany's ministry of labour wants footballers to wear masks as protection against the coronavirus if Angela Merkel's government gives the green light for the Bundesliga to return next month. The German Football League (DFL) confirmed Thursday that they are ready for the Bundesliga to resume from May 9, albeit without fans in stadiums and with strict player hygiene measures in place. The final decision will be made by German Chancellor Merkel and state leaders, who are due to meet in Berlin on Thursday. Germany has been less affected by the pandemic, but currently has 5,321 deaths due to the virus. According to magazine Spiegel, the Federal Ministry for Labour has drafted safety guidelines which include a recommendation players wear a mask which would "not slip in sprints, headers and challenges". "Should the masks slip, the game must immediately be stopped", according to the draft, and because the masks would get wet fast due to exertion, they should be "replaced every 15 minutes at the latest". Germany's team doctor Tim Meyer, part of the task force looking into how the German league can return, is sceptical. "There have also been suggestions such as players should keep their distance in the free-kick wall," Meyer told the German press agency DPA. "But then the spectators would no longer perceive football as authentic. "If players played with masks, I don't think that would be accepted." Another suggestion in the ministry guidelines is that each team be quarantined in a hotel for the duration of the season amid hopes it can be completed in Germany by June 30. Players have already given a mixed response to the idea of being isolated for the nine remaining games of the season. "I personally would find it extremely difficult to spend the next few weeks in a hotel and not be able to see my family," Eintracht Frankfurt defender Danny da Costa told reporters. However, Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller said being placed in quarantine may be the only way to get the season finished. "It is quite clear that football would submit to almost all the rules necessary to play," Mueller told magazine Sport Bild.

Calls for footballers to wear masks if Bundesliga returns

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.&nbsp;

UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons.&nbsp;

All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths.&nbsp;

UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit."

As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play.&nbsp;

Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference.&nbsp;

Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. &nbsp;UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match.&nbsp;

Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation.&nbsp;

UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, &nbsp;"insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs".

Another way out?&nbsp;

According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action.&nbsp;

The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams &nbsp;Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games.&nbsp;

Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.&nbsp;

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties. UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons. All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths. UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit." As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play. Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference. Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match. Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation. UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, "insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs". Another way out? According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action. The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games. Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.

UEFA insists Premier league to conclude season as it is or with play-offs; will other leagues follow?

German football authorities are set to announce plans on Thursday for Bundesliga matches to restart on May 9 in empty stadiums, but the potential return in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic is meeting some opposition.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is slowly easing nationwide restrictions and the resumption of the Bundesliga, which was halted on March 13, would boost morale in football-mad Germany.

It would also make the Bundesliga the first top-flight European league to begin playing again.

Large public events are banned in Germany until August 31, yet football could resume without spectators -- known as "ghost games" in German. Germany has more testing capacity than other European countries and players could be tested regularly.

The 18 clubs have been back in training for three weeks, albeit in small groups with social distancing observed even on the pitch.&nbsp;

Having already been given signs of encouragement by politicians, the German Football League (DFL) is set to iron out details in Thursday's video conference meeting of the clubs.

Final approval could be given by Merkel and regional state premiers at a meeting on April 30.

The DFL is desperate for the league season to be completed by June 30 to ensure payment of the next instalment of television money, worth around 300 million euros ($326 million).

The cash could keep some clubs alive, with 13 of the 36 clubs in Germany's top two tiers reportedly on the verge of insolvency.

With fans across Europe and the world deprived of football, the games are also likely to attract TV audiences far beyond Germany.

<h2>- Cardboard supporters -</h2>

With fans locked out and asked to stay at home, only players, backroom staff, stewards, media and officials will be allowed into the stadiums for games with numbers strictly regulated.

Some clubs are being innovative about the problem of potentially playing in near-empty stadiums.

Borussia Moenchengladbach have filled their terraces with life-sized cardboard cut-outs of fans.

However, the restart is unpopular in some quarters and criticism has come from some supporters' groups.

Critics point to figures of more than 140,000 cases of coronavirus and over 4,500 deaths in Germany as proof that football is inappropriate.

Restarting the season in the middle of the pandemic "would be sheer mockery for the rest of society" according to supporters' group Fanszenen Deutschlands, who accuse the clubs of greed.

"Professional football has long been sick enough and should continue to be quarantined," it said.

Nationwide fan group "Unsere Kurve" ha also slammed the move.

Football "cannot act in isolation from the situation in society as a whole," it said. "If the game continues like this, we're out!"

Even some players are uncomfortable about returning to action in the current situation.

"There are more important things than football at the moment," said Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele.

In Berlin, Union forward Sebastian Polter said "nobody wants ghost games -- no player, no fan" even if they appear to the only option to complete the season.

It will also take around 20,000 tests of players and backroom staff to be able to complete all the remaining matches.

Germany has a testing capacity of 550,000 per week, so 20,000 tests spread over the nine remaining Bundesliga matchdays seems manageable.

However, the Robert Koch Institute, which advises the German government, sees things differently.

"I think the tests should be used where it makes medical sense," the institute's vice-president Lars Schaade said on Tuesday.

"I do not see why certain population groups, whether athletes or otherwise, should be routinely screened."

<h2>- 'Leap of faith' -</h2>

Nevertheless, it seems highly likely the Bundesliga will return next month.

Markus Soeder, the state premier of Bavaria, and Armin Laschet, head of North Rhine-Westphalia -- two key German football strongholds -- have voiced support.

Christian Seifert, the Bundesliga's CEO, has said the league's clubs and stars have a duty "to repay the trust" shown by the politicians.&nbsp;

Senior figures at Bayern Munich, who have a four-point lead at the top of the league, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have expressed similar gratitude.

"This is a great leap of faith," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.&nbsp;

"Football is an opportunity to give millions of fans a little more zest for life again."

German football authorities are set to announce plans on Thursday for Bundesliga matches to restart on May 9 in empty stadiums, but the potential return in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic is meeting some opposition.

German football authorities are set to announce plans on Thursday for Bundesliga matches to restart on May 9 in empty stadiums, but the potential return in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic is meeting some opposition. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is slowly easing nationwide restrictions and the resumption of the Bundesliga, which was halted on March 13, would boost morale in football-mad Germany. It would also make the Bundesliga the first top-flight European league to begin playing again. Large public events are banned in Germany until August 31, yet football could resume without spectators -- known as "ghost games" in German. Germany has more testing capacity than other European countries and players could be tested regularly. The 18 clubs have been back in training for three weeks, albeit in small groups with social distancing observed even on the pitch. Having already been given signs of encouragement by politicians, the German Football League (DFL) is set to iron out details in Thursday's video conference meeting of the clubs. Final approval could be given by Merkel and regional state premiers at a meeting on April 30. The DFL is desperate for the league season to be completed by June 30 to ensure payment of the next instalment of television money, worth around 300 million euros ($326 million). The cash could keep some clubs alive, with 13 of the 36 clubs in Germany's top two tiers reportedly on the verge of insolvency. With fans across Europe and the world deprived of football, the games are also likely to attract TV audiences far beyond Germany. - Cardboard supporters - With fans locked out and asked to stay at home, only players, backroom staff, stewards, media and officials will be allowed into the stadiums for games with numbers strictly regulated. Some clubs are being innovative about the problem of potentially playing in near-empty stadiums. Borussia Moenchengladbach have filled their terraces with life-sized cardboard cut-outs of fans. However, the restart is unpopular in some quarters and criticism has come from some supporters' groups. Critics point to figures of more than 140,000 cases of coronavirus and over 4,500 deaths in Germany as proof that football is inappropriate. Restarting the season in the middle of the pandemic "would be sheer mockery for the rest of society" according to supporters' group Fanszenen Deutschlands, who accuse the clubs of greed. "Professional football has long been sick enough and should continue to be quarantined," it said. Nationwide fan group "Unsere Kurve" ha also slammed the move. Football "cannot act in isolation from the situation in society as a whole," it said. "If the game continues like this, we're out!" Even some players are uncomfortable about returning to action in the current situation. "There are more important things than football at the moment," said Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele. In Berlin, Union forward Sebastian Polter said "nobody wants ghost games -- no player, no fan" even if they appear to the only option to complete the season. It will also take around 20,000 tests of players and backroom staff to be able to complete all the remaining matches. Germany has a testing capacity of 550,000 per week, so 20,000 tests spread over the nine remaining Bundesliga matchdays seems manageable. However, the Robert Koch Institute, which advises the German government, sees things differently. "I think the tests should be used where it makes medical sense," the institute's vice-president Lars Schaade said on Tuesday. "I do not see why certain population groups, whether athletes or otherwise, should be routinely screened." - 'Leap of faith' - Nevertheless, it seems highly likely the Bundesliga will return next month. Markus Soeder, the state premier of Bavaria, and Armin Laschet, head of North Rhine-Westphalia -- two key German football strongholds -- have voiced support. Christian Seifert, the Bundesliga's CEO, has said the league's clubs and stars have a duty "to repay the trust" shown by the politicians. Senior figures at Bayern Munich, who have a four-point lead at the top of the league, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have expressed similar gratitude. "This is a great leap of faith," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. "Football is an opportunity to give millions of fans a little more zest for life again."

German football plans May return but debate rages

Football fans and concert-goers could be barred from seeing their favourite teams and bands play live in Germany for 18 months due to the coronavirus, according to a science expert.

Keeping Germany's stadiums and music venues closed until well into 2021 "would certainly be very wise" according to Gerald Haug, president of the Leopoldina Academy of Sciences, which advises Angela Merkel's government on measures to combat the virus.

In an interview aired by broadcaster ARD on Monday, Haug added that "as to whether it will last a year and a half, we have to wait and see - there are also more optimistic assessments of the situation.

"But it will certainly last several months more, it could go up to a year and a half."

The German Football League (DFL) suspended all Bundesliga matches on March 13 until at least April 30.

A decision on whether football can resume in early May, most likely in empty stadiums with fans locked out, has been pushed back a week until April 23, the DFL announced Tuesday.

The DFL would need the go-ahead from the health authorities for leagues to resume.

Having been closed since mid-March, concert halls and sports venues across Germany remain shut until further notice.

The Leopoldina Academy has advocated a "step-by-step" return to normal conditions if the figures for new contaminations "stabilise at a low level" and if "hygiene measures are maintained".

Just under 3,000 people have so far died due to the coronavirus in Germany.

Football fans and concert-goers could be barred from seeing their favourite teams and bands play live in Germany for 18 months due to the coronavirus, according to a science expert.

Football fans and concert-goers could be barred from seeing their favourite teams and bands play live in Germany for 18 months due to the coronavirus, according to a science expert. Keeping Germany's stadiums and music venues closed until well into 2021 "would certainly be very wise" according to Gerald Haug, president of the Leopoldina Academy of Sciences, which advises Angela Merkel's government on measures to combat the virus. In an interview aired by broadcaster ARD on Monday, Haug added that "as to whether it will last a year and a half, we have to wait and see - there are also more optimistic assessments of the situation. "But it will certainly last several months more, it could go up to a year and a half." The German Football League (DFL) suspended all Bundesliga matches on March 13 until at least April 30. A decision on whether football can resume in early May, most likely in empty stadiums with fans locked out, has been pushed back a week until April 23, the DFL announced Tuesday. The DFL would need the go-ahead from the health authorities for leagues to resume. Having been closed since mid-March, concert halls and sports venues across Germany remain shut until further notice. The Leopoldina Academy has advocated a "step-by-step" return to normal conditions if the figures for new contaminations "stabilise at a low level" and if "hygiene measures are maintained". Just under 3,000 people have so far died due to the coronavirus in Germany.

German venues should stay shut for 18 months: expert

With the top clubs in the Bundesliga already back in training, envious rivals across Europe are watching to see whether the Germans gain an edge or pay a price when play resumes.

Europe's top leagues are desperate to return to competition to avert financial disaster due to the coronavirus pandemic, but if they move too fast they could risk injuring their players. Moving too slow also comes at a cost.

In addition to the injury worry, when to resume training presents a problem of fairness, if some clubs can resume sooner than others it could distort competition and produce "crazy" results.&nbsp;

The issue has come up in Germany where, in line with an earlier recommendation by the German football league, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and second-place Borussia Dortmund and a raft of other clubs resumed training in small groups on Monday. The Bundesliga hopes to return in early May, having ground to a halt in mid-March.

"We have to combine two central goals, namely to keep the players in a very good condition and at the same time avoid possible infections", Martin Przondziono, the Paderborn sports director, told SID, AFP's German subsidiary.

RB Leipzig had continued with non-contact training throughout and Augsburg resumed on March 23. By Monday, only Freiburg and Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga clubs had not resumed.&nbsp;

Werder Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt, unable to train his squad because of local regulations, told SID he was worried about "distortion of competition".

In an interview published on Friday, Carlo Ancelotti, the veteran Italian manager, now in charge at Everton, emphasised that point.

"One of the important things is that all the clubs resume training at the same time, that there are no disparities, that no one has an advantage over the others," the 60-year-old Italian told L'Equipe.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann of RB Leipzig is already putting his players through their paces.

"My players haven't lost too much fitness," &nbsp;Nagelsmann said. "They'll be back in shape in a week and a half or two."

The question of how long players need to safely regain match fitness&nbsp;will face all of Europe's top clubs after the unprecedented mid-season interruption.&nbsp;

"It depends on how long they are confined," Spanish coach Juanjo Del Ojo, a fitness trainer at Monaco in French Ligue 1, told AFP.

"If it lasts five or six weeks, we would need a minimum of three weeks before we can return to the competition with certainty and reduce the risk of injury."

<h2>- 'Really weird' -&nbsp;</h2>

Xavier Frezza, an independent coach who works with French professional footballers, told AFP "players have never experienced this in their entire lives.

"A pro player only has a three- to four-week break in the summer, and many of them still do a few things," he added.

"Two months is going to be really weird for them."&nbsp;

"Some studies have shown a correlation between the number of full training sessions before resuming competition and a reduction in injuries," he said.

For the players, self-discipline during the lockdown will play a big role.

Those who have kept in shape and avoided weight gain will come back much better than those who have not.&nbsp;

That explains why Bayern Munich introduced compulsory group training by video conference from the first day of confinement, maintaining a rhythm and team peer pressure.&nbsp;

The risks are all the greater as any resumption will bear no resemblance to the pre-season, when the pace picks up gradually.&nbsp;

The clubs will have to complete the high-pressure part of the season playing twice a week at home and in Europe.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'A big difference' -</h2>

This raises the question of whether clubs that start training first will have an advantage over those that have been confined for longer.&nbsp;

"A week's difference, when you don't even have three weeks of preparation, physically and technically it can make a big difference," said Frezza.

Former Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl suspects some "crazy" results if and when the league resumes after the forced hiatus.

"My guess is that the results will be more unpredictable, there will be movement in the table with the odd surprise or two," the 40-year-old, part of Dortmund's management team, told Monday's edition of German magazine Kicker.

With the top clubs in the Bundesliga already back in training, envious rivals across Europe are watching to see whether the Germans gain an edge or pay a price when play resumes.

With the top clubs in the Bundesliga already back in training, envious rivals across Europe are watching to see whether the Germans gain an edge or pay a price when play resumes. Europe's top leagues are desperate to return to competition to avert financial disaster due to the coronavirus pandemic, but if they move too fast they could risk injuring their players. Moving too slow also comes at a cost. In addition to the injury worry, when to resume training presents a problem of fairness, if some clubs can resume sooner than others it could distort competition and produce "crazy" results. The issue has come up in Germany where, in line with an earlier recommendation by the German football league, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and second-place Borussia Dortmund and a raft of other clubs resumed training in small groups on Monday. The Bundesliga hopes to return in early May, having ground to a halt in mid-March. "We have to combine two central goals, namely to keep the players in a very good condition and at the same time avoid possible infections", Martin Przondziono, the Paderborn sports director, told SID, AFP's German subsidiary. RB Leipzig had continued with non-contact training throughout and Augsburg resumed on March 23. By Monday, only Freiburg and Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga clubs had not resumed. Werder Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt, unable to train his squad because of local regulations, told SID he was worried about "distortion of competition". In an interview published on Friday, Carlo Ancelotti, the veteran Italian manager, now in charge at Everton, emphasised that point. "One of the important things is that all the clubs resume training at the same time, that there are no disparities, that no one has an advantage over the others," the 60-year-old Italian told L'Equipe. Coach Julian Nagelsmann of RB Leipzig is already putting his players through their paces. "My players haven't lost too much fitness," Nagelsmann said. "They'll be back in shape in a week and a half or two." The question of how long players need to safely regain match fitness will face all of Europe's top clubs after the unprecedented mid-season interruption. "It depends on how long they are confined," Spanish coach Juanjo Del Ojo, a fitness trainer at Monaco in French Ligue 1, told AFP. "If it lasts five or six weeks, we would need a minimum of three weeks before we can return to the competition with certainty and reduce the risk of injury." - 'Really weird' - Xavier Frezza, an independent coach who works with French professional footballers, told AFP "players have never experienced this in their entire lives. "A pro player only has a three- to four-week break in the summer, and many of them still do a few things," he added. "Two months is going to be really weird for them." "Some studies have shown a correlation between the number of full training sessions before resuming competition and a reduction in injuries," he said. For the players, self-discipline during the lockdown will play a big role. Those who have kept in shape and avoided weight gain will come back much better than those who have not. That explains why Bayern Munich introduced compulsory group training by video conference from the first day of confinement, maintaining a rhythm and team peer pressure. The risks are all the greater as any resumption will bear no resemblance to the pre-season, when the pace picks up gradually. The clubs will have to complete the high-pressure part of the season playing twice a week at home and in Europe. - 'A big difference' - This raises the question of whether clubs that start training first will have an advantage over those that have been confined for longer. "A week's difference, when you don't even have three weeks of preparation, physically and technically it can make a big difference," said Frezza. Former Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl suspects some "crazy" results if and when the league resumes after the forced hiatus. "My guess is that the results will be more unpredictable, there will be movement in the table with the odd surprise or two," the 40-year-old, part of Dortmund's management team, told Monday's edition of German magazine Kicker.

As Bundesliga clubs resume training, a debate over fairness and fitness

Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland are currently one of the most expensive duo in the World.&nbsp;

The young guns currently play for Borrusia Dortmund. According to the CIES Football Observatory, the current value at $324 million, whereas Dortmund bought them for just $30.2 million.&nbsp;

The duo has been in giving a stellar performance for the club and big clubs have developed an interest in these players.&nbsp;

Since signing for Dortmund in 2017 as a 17-year-old, Sancho has developed into one of the most exciting attacking prospects in Europe and is regularly linked with a transfer to Europe's biggest clubs.

In January, Dortmund has stunned teams like Real Madrid and Manchester United after the duo outperformed these two heavyweights.&nbsp;

In February, Haaland starred in a stunning PSG defeat in the first leg of the Champions League. Though Paris managed to overturn the scoreline in the second leg, yet Haaland left a mark with his prolific goal scoring.&nbsp;

The study, which focused on players born in the year 2000 or later, takes into account "the length of contract remaining, age, international status, career progression, as well as the performances in the different competitions played both for clubs and national teams."

Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland are currently one of the most expensive duo in the World. The young guns currently play for Borrusia Dortmund. According to the CIES Football Observatory, the current value at $324 million, whereas Dortmund bought them for just $30.

Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland are currently one of the most expensive duo in the World. The young guns currently play for Borrusia Dortmund. According to the CIES Football Observatory, the current value at $324 million, whereas Dortmund bought them for just $30.2 million. The duo has been in giving a stellar performance for the club and big clubs have developed an interest in these players. Since signing for Dortmund in 2017 as a 17-year-old, Sancho has developed into one of the most exciting attacking prospects in Europe and is regularly linked with a transfer to Europe's biggest clubs. In January, Dortmund has stunned teams like Real Madrid and Manchester United after the duo outperformed these two heavyweights. In February, Haaland starred in a stunning PSG defeat in the first leg of the Champions League. Though Paris managed to overturn the scoreline in the second leg, yet Haaland left a mark with his prolific goal scoring. The study, which focused on players born in the year 2000 or later, takes into account "the length of contract remaining, age, international status, career progression, as well as the performances in the different competitions played both for clubs and national teams."

Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland become most expensive duo: reports

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons.&nbsp;

According to a study conducted by KPMG, these top football leagues lose close to $4.33 billion in combined revenue if they get cancelled.

These figures were out after the accounting firm calculated the total potential matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenues set to be generated by the remaining matches in the Premier League, La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 added up to between 3.45-4 billion euros across the five leagues.

According to KPMG, English Premier League will lose the most if it happens, despite having fewer games left to play than every other league (except Bundesliga, German league has just 18 teams to play). The Premier League will lose about 1.25 billion euros out of which they lose 800 million in broadcasting revenues itself.&nbsp;

La Liga in Spain could lose as much as 600 million euros from broadcasters, the report said, while Serie A clubs stand to lose up to 450 million euros from a cancelled season. The Bundesliga and Ligue 1 stand to lose as much as 400 and 200 millions euros respectively.

This shows how much do these football leagues rely on television money to compensate for their expenses.

After Euro's postponement by a year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns for the top leagues in Europe.&nbsp;

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons.

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons. According to a study conducted by KPMG, these top football leagues lose close to $4.33 billion in combined revenue if they get cancelled. These figures were out after the accounting firm calculated the total potential matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenues set to be generated by the remaining matches in the Premier League, La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 added up to between 3.45-4 billion euros across the five leagues. According to KPMG, English Premier League will lose the most if it happens, despite having fewer games left to play than every other league (except Bundesliga, German league has just 18 teams to play). The Premier League will lose about 1.25 billion euros out of which they lose 800 million in broadcasting revenues itself. La Liga in Spain could lose as much as 600 million euros from broadcasters, the report said, while Serie A clubs stand to lose up to 450 million euros from a cancelled season. The Bundesliga and Ligue 1 stand to lose as much as 400 and 200 millions euros respectively. This shows how much do these football leagues rely on television money to compensate for their expenses. After Euro's postponement by a year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns for the top leagues in Europe.

Europe's top football leagues could face major hit if season gets cancelled due to coronavirus

What Messi, Neymar, Ramos are doing during coronavirus self-quarantine

&nbsp;

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said that his team is preparing for a gruesome fixture against Bayern Munich for the round of 16 clash in Champions League.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-simeones-atletico-stun-mighty-liverpool-in-1st-leg-of-round-of-16-281473">Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16</a>

The match will be played in Stamford Bridge, London. Their rivals Tottenham Hotspurs faced heavy defeat by the hands of German heavyweight in the group stage. Spurs lost 7-2 at home and 3-1 away.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-bans-spurs-players-from-watching-bayern-thrashing-267565">Jose Mourinho bans Spurs players from watching Bayern thrashing</a>

Lampard said "definitively," if they (Chelsea) learnt lessons from their derby club's defeat by the hands of Bayern which is also the biggest margin of defeat for an English team at home in any European competition. Chelsea has beaten Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League finals on penalties.&nbsp;

Lampard said: "It is a club that overcomes difficulties because of the strength, their structure. I have huge respect for them (Bayern). Every year they can win the Champions League but our job is to try and stop them."

"I understand it if people call us underdogs because Bayern are so strong. Maybe we do not have their experience but we are here to turn it around. Those are the best stories in sport," he added.&nbsp;

Bayern Munich topped their group after winning all six games and are table-toppers in Bundesliga. They will be eyeing a record-extending eight Bundesliga win.&nbsp;

Chelsea were second in their group with three wins, two draws and one loss and are currently fourth in the Premier League.&nbsp;

Chelsea will be missing their key player N'Golo Kante, who was forced out due to injury and Oliver Giroud could make it to the playing XI after a good Saturday clash against Spurs.&nbsp;

(inputs from Reuters)

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said that his team is preparing for a gruesome fixture against Bayern Munich for the round of 16 clash in Champions League. Also read: Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16 The match will be played in Stamford Bridge, London.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said that his team is preparing for a gruesome fixture against Bayern Munich for the round of 16 clash in Champions League. Also read: Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16 The match will be played in Stamford Bridge, London. Their rivals Tottenham Hotspurs faced heavy defeat by the hands of German heavyweight in the group stage. Spurs lost 7-2 at home and 3-1 away. Also read: Jose Mourinho bans Spurs players from watching Bayern thrashing Lampard said "definitively," if they (Chelsea) learnt lessons from their derby club's defeat by the hands of Bayern which is also the biggest margin of defeat for an English team at home in any European competition. Chelsea has beaten Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League finals on penalties. Lampard said: "It is a club that overcomes difficulties because of the strength, their structure. I have huge respect for them (Bayern). Every year they can win the Champions League but our job is to try and stop them." "I understand it if people call us underdogs because Bayern are so strong. Maybe we do not have their experience but we are here to turn it around. Those are the best stories in sport," he added. Bayern Munich topped their group after winning all six games and are table-toppers in Bundesliga. They will be eyeing a record-extending eight Bundesliga win. Chelsea were second in their group with three wins, two draws and one loss and are currently fourth in the Premier League. Chelsea will be missing their key player N'Golo Kante, who was forced out due to injury and Oliver Giroud could make it to the playing XI after a good Saturday clash against Spurs. (inputs from Reuters)

Champions League: Frank Lampard prepares his team for gruesome clash with Bayern Munich

RB Leipzig eased past struggling Werder Bremen 3-0 on Saturday to reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga, two points ahead of champions Bayern Munich. Having failed to win in their last four games in all competitions, Leipzig were desperate to bounce back on their home ground and Lukas Klostermann's 18th-minute goal quickly put them in the driving seat.

RB Leipzig eased past struggling Werder Bremen 3-0 on Saturday to reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga, two points ahead of champions Bayern Munich. Having failed to win in their last four games in all competitions, Leipzig were desperate to bounce back on their home ground and Lukas Klostermann's 18th-minute goal quickly put them in the driving seat. Patrik Schick, who had set up Klostermann, then grabbed one himself, heading in his sixth league goal in the 39th minute before Nordi Mukiele latched on to a deep through ball to fire in their third goal a minute after the restart. [ Leipzig's French defender Nordi Mukiele (C) scores the 3-0 goal past Bremen's Czech goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka (R) during the German first division Bundesliga football match (Courtesy: AFP) ] Leipzig, who face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League last-16 on Wednesday, move up to 45 points, with Bayern, in action against Cologne on Sunday, on 43. Borussia Dortmund, winners 4-0 over Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, are in third place on 42. "We played a good game and fully deserved to win," Czech international Schick told reporters. "I am happy for my goal but more importantly it is a big boost ahead of Spurs." Lars Stindl scored twice as Borussia Moenchengladbach stormed to a 4-1 win at Fortuna Duesseldorf - their first away win since November - to join Dortmund on 42 points. Also Read: Claudio Pizarro joins Werder Bremen for a fourth and final stint Former champions Werder, who have now lost eight of their last nine league games, are stuck in 17th place, a point above last-placed Paderborn. Bayer Leverkusen kept their Champions League hopes intact when Karim Bellarabi struck in stoppage time to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Union Berlin to keep them within striking distance of a top-four spot, in fifth place on 40. The game was repeatedly interrupted after fans lit flares and smoke bombs in the stands. Hertha Berlin made a winning start to life after Juergen Klinsman, beating Paderborn 2-1 with a goal from Dedryck Boyata and an own goal from Jamilu Collins, in their first game since their former coach's surprise departure this week. Klinsmann, a former Germany and U.S. national team coach, quit after only 76 days in charge, complaining about a lack of trust and support. Hertha's win lifted them further away from the relegation zone and into 13th place. Dutchman Wout Weghorst scored a hat-trick in VfL Wolfsburg's 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim, who twice come back from a goal down only to lose.

Bundesliga: Leipzig back on top with 3-0 win over strugglers Werder

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-bayern-seal-last-16-berth-as-lewandowski-strikes-again-260439">Bayern Munich scored</a> three goals in the opening 26 minutes to defeat Mainz 05 3-1 away on Saturday and go a point clear at the top of the Bundesliga with their sixth straight win. Top scorer Robert Lewandowski headed in his 22nd league goal in the eighth minute and Thomas Mueller and Thiago Alcantara added two more to lift the Bavarians to 42 points, one ahead of RB Leipzig who drew 2-2 at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-demolish-schalke-lewandowski-strikes-early-276615">Bayern's fast start</a> was enough to kill off the game and Mainz, who cut the deficit on the stroke of halftime through Jeremiah St Juste, rarely threatened although Leandro Barreiro hit the post. The Bavarians also set a club record with 58 goals in their 20 league games in a boost for interim coach Hansi Flick, whose future at the club is still unclear.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">Football: Dortmund loose out on two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with RB Leipzig</a>

<img alt=" Benjamin Pavard" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="045e20c8-7192-46b9-b9a4-e39b48d5cf8e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T124532.290.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard in action (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"I was fascinated by our opening 30 minutes," Flick said. "After that, we did too little. We took the speed and pace out of our game. "We defended well and brought the three points home," he said as Bayern prepare to face Leipzig next week. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bundesliga-hoffenheim-stun-borussia-dortmund-after-late-strike-269439">Borussia Dortmund</a> enjoyed an even more dominant afternoon, demolishing Union Berlin 5-0 with two goals from Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland, the first player in Bundesliga history to score seven goals in his first three matches.

Leipzig had to come from two goals behind to salvage a point against Gladbach thanks to Christopher Nkunku's 89th-minute equaliser. Gladbach, down to 10 men on the hour, had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half but a Patrik Schick goal in the 50th and Nkunku's shot rescued a point for the hosts. 
&nbsp;

Bayern Munich scored three goals in the opening 26 minutes to defeat Mainz 05 3-1 away on Saturday and go a point clear at the top of the Bundesliga with their sixth straight win.

Bayern Munich scored three goals in the opening 26 minutes to defeat Mainz 05 3-1 away on Saturday and go a point clear at the top of the Bundesliga with their sixth straight win. Top scorer Robert Lewandowski headed in his 22nd league goal in the eighth minute and Thomas Mueller and Thiago Alcantara added two more to lift the Bavarians to 42 points, one ahead of RB Leipzig who drew 2-2 at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Bayern's fast start was enough to kill off the game and Mainz, who cut the deficit on the stroke of halftime through Jeremiah St Juste, rarely threatened although Leandro Barreiro hit the post. The Bavarians also set a club record with 58 goals in their 20 league games in a boost for interim coach Hansi Flick, whose future at the club is still unclear. Also Read: Football: Dortmund loose out on two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with RB Leipzig [ Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard in action (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "I was fascinated by our opening 30 minutes," Flick said. "After that, we did too little. We took the speed and pace out of our game. "We defended well and brought the three points home," he said as Bayern prepare to face Leipzig next week. Borussia Dortmund enjoyed an even more dominant afternoon, demolishing Union Berlin 5-0 with two goals from Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland, the first player in Bundesliga history to score seven goals in his first three matches. Leipzig had to come from two goals behind to salvage a point against Gladbach thanks to Christopher Nkunku's 89th-minute equaliser. Gladbach, down to 10 men on the hour, had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half but a Patrik Schick goal in the 50th and Nkunku's shot rescued a point for the hosts.

Dortmund's Haaland scores; Bayern beat Mainz to reach the top

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bundesliga-hoffenheim-stun-borussia-dortmund-after-late-strike-269439">Borussia Dortmund</a> have signed teenage goalscoring sensation Erling Braut&nbsp;Haaland&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-in-eye-of-storm-against-salzburg-267519">RB Salzburg</a>, beating off a host of top European clubs, the German Bundesliga club announced on Monday.

Dortmund said the 19-year-old Norway forward, who scored eight times in the group stage of this season's Champions League, had signed a contract until 2024 but did not mention a fee.

Haaland&nbsp;has caught the eye of clubs around Europe, reportedly including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-football-lazio-beat-juventus-again-to-win-italian-supercup-269651">Juventus</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-must-focus-on-rashford-martial-dont-need-haaland-berbatov-269072">Manchester United</a>, after scoring 28 goals in 22 games in all competitions so far this campaign.

Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">RB Leipzig</a> had confirmed their interest earlier this month but&nbsp;Haaland&nbsp;said Dortmund were always his first choice.

"From the beginning I had the feeling I definitely wanted to switch to this club, to walk this path," he said.

He will join up with his new teammates on January 3 for a training camp in Marbella before Dortmund resume after the Bundesliga's winter break with a visit to Augsburg on January 18.

In a video posted on the Dortmund website,&nbsp;Haaland&nbsp;wished Dortmund fans a happy new year as he pored over a 2020 to-do list topped with "learn German".

Earlier in December, the forward had been spotted landing in the city to meet with club representatives.

Dortmund, currently fourth in the Bundesliga, have been looking for a new striker with Spain international Paco Alcacer and World Cup winner Mario Goetze struggling for consistency this season.

"Despite many offers from the very top clubs across Europe, Erling&nbsp;Haaland&nbsp;has chosen the sporting challenge at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bundesliga-hoffenheim-stun-borussia-dortmund-after-late-strike-269439">BVB (Dortmund)</a>," chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said in a statement.

"We can all look forward to an ambitious, athletic and physically strong centre forward... at 19, Erling is right at the start of what will hopefully be a great career."

Haaland&nbsp;became the third youngest player to score a Champions League hat-trick when he netted three times in a 6-2 victory over Genk in September.

Only Wayne Rooney, England's record goalscorer, and Spain great Raul managed the feat at a younger age.

Haaland, the son of former Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge&nbsp;Haaland, scored in his first five Champions League matches.

Despite his impressive form Salzburg failed to reach the last 16 following a 2-0 loss to defending champions Liverpool in their final group game this month.

Borussia Dortmund have signed teenage goalscoring sensation Erling Braut Haaland from RB Salzburg, beating off a host of top European clubs, the German Bundesliga club announced on Monday.

Borussia Dortmund have signed teenage goalscoring sensation Erling Braut Haaland from RB Salzburg, beating off a host of top European clubs, the German Bundesliga club announced on Monday. Dortmund said the 19-year-old Norway forward, who scored eight times in the group stage of this season's Champions League, had signed a contract until 2024 but did not mention a fee. Haaland has caught the eye of clubs around Europe, reportedly including Juventus and Manchester United, after scoring 28 goals in 22 games in all competitions so far this campaign. Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig had confirmed their interest earlier this month but Haaland said Dortmund were always his first choice. "From the beginning I had the feeling I definitely wanted to switch to this club, to walk this path," he said. He will join up with his new teammates on January 3 for a training camp in Marbella before Dortmund resume after the Bundesliga's winter break with a visit to Augsburg on January 18. In a video posted on the Dortmund website, Haaland wished Dortmund fans a happy new year as he pored over a 2020 to-do list topped with "learn German". Earlier in December, the forward had been spotted landing in the city to meet with club representatives. Dortmund, currently fourth in the Bundesliga, have been looking for a new striker with Spain international Paco Alcacer and World Cup winner Mario Goetze struggling for consistency this season. "Despite many offers from the very top clubs across Europe, Erling Haaland has chosen the sporting challenge at BVB (Dortmund)," chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said in a statement. "We can all look forward to an ambitious, athletic and physically strong centre forward... at 19, Erling is right at the start of what will hopefully be a great career." Haaland became the third youngest player to score a Champions League hat-trick when he netted three times in a 6-2 victory over Genk in September. Only Wayne Rooney, England's record goalscorer, and Spain great Raul managed the feat at a younger age. Haaland, the son of former Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, scored in his first five Champions League matches. Despite his impressive form Salzburg failed to reach the last 16 following a 2-0 loss to defending champions Liverpool in their final group game this month.

Bundesliga: Dortmund sign striker Haaland from Salzburg

Hoffenheim struck late through Sargis Adamyan and Andrej Kramaric to complete a 2-1 comeback win over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">Borussia Dortmund </a>on Friday as the Bundesliga heads into the winter break.

Fourth-placed Dortmund are level on 30 points with Bayern Munich, who host VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, and four points behind leaders RB Leipzig, who welcome Augsburg, and second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach who visit Hertha Berlin.

Mario Goetze made the most of a rare start by putting the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, while Hoffenheim struggled to get into the game although they hit the bar from a Robert Skov free kick with their only real chance.

But Dortmund, who hit the woodwork through Thorgan Hazard and missed several other golden chances, failed to add another goal despite being in complete control of the game and they were punished for it.

The hosts leveled when substitute Adamyan stabbed the ball home after goalkeeper Roman Buerki failed to clear in the 79th.

The Armenian, who also scored twice against Bayern Munich in a 2-1 away win in October, then turned provider, crossing for Kramaric to head the winner three minutes from time.

Dortmund, without injured Axel Witsel and captain Marco Reus, also withdrew Thorgan Hazard and Mats Hummels at halftime, the latter with a suspected fractured hand after a nasty fall.

"We had the game completely under control. We just did not use our chances," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre told reporters. "We had five, six big chances. It was easy to make the 2-0 and the 3-0. It is silly, just silly.

"We are a bit tired. Two injuries at halftime and we played too complicated. We always want to do the special thing. That costs us a lot."

It was the second consecutive game in which Dortmund gave up the lead, after being in front twice in the 3-3 draw against Leipzig on Tuesday.

The league breaks after this weekend's matches and resumes on Jan. 17.

Hoffenheim struck late through Sargis Adamyan and Andrej Kramaric to complete a 2-1 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund on Friday as the Bundesliga heads into the winter break.

Hoffenheim struck late through Sargis Adamyan and Andrej Kramaric to complete a 2-1 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund on Friday as the Bundesliga heads into the winter break. Fourth-placed Dortmund are level on 30 points with Bayern Munich, who host VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, and four points behind leaders RB Leipzig, who welcome Augsburg, and second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach who visit Hertha Berlin. Mario Goetze made the most of a rare start by putting the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, while Hoffenheim struggled to get into the game although they hit the bar from a Robert Skov free kick with their only real chance. But Dortmund, who hit the woodwork through Thorgan Hazard and missed several other golden chances, failed to add another goal despite being in complete control of the game and they were punished for it. The hosts leveled when substitute Adamyan stabbed the ball home after goalkeeper Roman Buerki failed to clear in the 79th. The Armenian, who also scored twice against Bayern Munich in a 2-1 away win in October, then turned provider, crossing for Kramaric to head the winner three minutes from time. Dortmund, without injured Axel Witsel and captain Marco Reus, also withdrew Thorgan Hazard and Mats Hummels at halftime, the latter with a suspected fractured hand after a nasty fall. "We had the game completely under control. We just did not use our chances," Dortmund coach Lucien Favre told reporters. "We had five, six big chances. It was easy to make the 2-0 and the 3-0. It is silly, just silly. "We are a bit tired. Two injuries at halftime and we played too complicated. We always want to do the special thing. That costs us a lot." It was the second consecutive game in which Dortmund gave up the lead, after being in front twice in the 3-3 draw against Leipzig on Tuesday. The league breaks after this weekend's matches and resumes on Jan. 17.

Bundesliga: Hoffenheim stun Borussia Dortmund after late strike

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee&nbsp;came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side.

It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. &nbsp;

In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-forward-coman-out-until-january-with-knee-injury-268037">left-wing</a>, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season –&nbsp;and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign.

The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end.

After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances.

Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-brush-aside-mourinhos-spurs-to-claim-perfect-six-267846">Bayern</a> keeper Manuel Neuer no chance.

Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing.

The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">Leipzig</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-thrash-az-basaksehir-dump-moenchengladbach-out-of-europa-league-268032">Borussia Moenchengladbach</a>.

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⏱️ 90: Subs on Joshua Zirkzee 
⏱️ 90+2: Joshua Zirkzee makes it 2-1 
 
🤷‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCFFCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCFFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/pIqsxRrddN">pic.twitter.com/pIqsxRrddN</a>
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Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl.

Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak.

In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals.

After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays.

Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen.

The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone.

Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat.

Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic.

Bosz gave Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netherlands-shock-stunned-germany-in-4-2-comeback-win-248233">Jonathan Tah</a> a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension.

Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter.

Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal.

For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing.

The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season. Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side. It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the left-wing, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring. It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season – and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign. The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end. After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances. Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer no chance. Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing. The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind Leipzig and Borussia Moenchengladbach. ⏱️ 90: Subs on Joshua Zirkzee ⏱️ 90+2: Joshua Zirkzee makes it 2-1 🤷‍♂️#SCFFCB pic.twitter.com/pIqsxRrddN — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 18, 2019 × Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl. Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years. Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak. In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals. After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays. Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen. The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone. Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat. Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic. Bosz gave Germany's Jonathan Tah a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension. Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter. Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal. For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing. The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

Football: Teenager Zirkzee sparks Bayern's winning late show

Dortmund, who led 2-0 and 3-2, had only themselves to blame as they failed to close the gap to the top, staying four points behind&nbsp;Leipzig&nbsp;in third place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-hakimi-shines-as-dortmund-fight-back-to-beat-inter-milan-260262">Dortmund</a>, having won their previous three league games, looked to be cruising to victory when Julian Weigl fired in to give them the&nbsp;lead&nbsp;in the 23rd minute.

Julian Brandt then added a second after a stunning 180-degree turn in the box in the 34th, as the visitors were completely outclassed in the first half.

Leipzig&nbsp;twice went close in first-half stoppage time, forcing&nbsp;two&nbsp;consecutive fine saves from&nbsp;Dortmund's Roman Buerki.

Yet the Swiss keeper was beaten&nbsp;two&nbsp;minutes after the restart when he tried to head the ball away outside his box, but failed to get enough distance on his clearance and instead allowed Timo Werner to sneak in and score.

Werner then added a second in the 53rd, after a mistake from Brandt, to take his league&nbsp;goal&nbsp;tally to 18, joining Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski as top scorer, but Jadon Sancho put the hosts back in front&nbsp;two&nbsp;minutes later.

Dortmund&nbsp;looked to be back in control until Patrik Schick was left unmarked to stab in the equaliser on the rebound in the 78th.

"We did not do it well in the second half," said&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;captain Marco Reus. "All three&nbsp;goals could have been avoided.

"It was a good game from both but a point from this game is far too little for us."

Leipzig&nbsp;stay top on 34 points, with second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who host bottom club Paderborn on Wednesday, on 31.&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;are third on 30 while champions Bayern Munich are in fifth on 27 and travel to Freiburg on Wednesday. All three top teams of the German Bundesliga have qualified for the last-16 leg of the famed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/champions-league-gears-up-for-final-16-draw-after-record-breaking-group-stage-268079">Champion's</a> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-16-draw-date-rules-possible-scenarios-for-english-teams-and-all-you-need-to-know-268455">League</a>.

Dortmund, who led 2-0 and 3-2, had only themselves to blame as they failed to close the gap to the top, staying four points behind Leipzig in third place. Dortmund, having won their previous three league games, looked to be cruising to victory when Julian Weigl fired in to give them the lead in the 23rd minute.

Dortmund, who led 2-0 and 3-2, had only themselves to blame as they failed to close the gap to the top, staying four points behind Leipzig in third place. Dortmund, having won their previous three league games, looked to be cruising to victory when Julian Weigl fired in to give them the lead in the 23rd minute. Julian Brandt then added a second after a stunning 180-degree turn in the box in the 34th, as the visitors were completely outclassed in the first half. Leipzig twice went close in first-half stoppage time, forcing two consecutive fine saves from Dortmund's Roman Buerki. Yet the Swiss keeper was beaten two minutes after the restart when he tried to head the ball away outside his box, but failed to get enough distance on his clearance and instead allowed Timo Werner to sneak in and score. Werner then added a second in the 53rd, after a mistake from Brandt, to take his league goal tally to 18, joining Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski as top scorer, but Jadon Sancho put the hosts back in front two minutes later. Dortmund looked to be back in control until Patrik Schick was left unmarked to stab in the equaliser on the rebound in the 78th. "We did not do it well in the second half," said Dortmund captain Marco Reus. "All three goals could have been avoided. "It was a good game from both but a point from this game is far too little for us." Leipzig stay top on 34 points, with second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who host bottom club Paderborn on Wednesday, on 31. Dortmund are third on 30 while champions Bayern Munich are in fifth on 27 and travel to Freiburg on Wednesday. All three top teams of the German Bundesliga have qualified for the last-16 leg of the famed Champion's League.

Football: Dortmund loose out on two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with RB Leipzig

A brace for Robert Lewandowski was not enough to save&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;Munich from making a spluttering start to the new Bundesliga season as the reigning German champions were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday.&nbsp;

Lewandowski insisted that visitors Hertha had been "lucky" after he saved a point for&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;with a second-half penalty.

Hertha, who finished 11th last season, cancelled out Lewandowski's opener with two unusual goals to take a surprise lead in the first half and ultimately deal an early blow to&nbsp;Bayern's title defence.

"We didn't play badly, and they barely had a shot. They were lucky," Lewandowski told ZDF.

"It wasn't a false start to the season. We were the better team and should have won," said coach Niko Kovac.

Despite winning the domestic double last season,&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;opened the season under pressure after a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup two weeks ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions over Kovac's tactics and relentless criticism of the club's transfer policy had also unsettled&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;in the build-up, but they looked sharp early on as Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry probed and prodded on the right wing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The duo finally broke Hertha on 24 minutes, as Kimmich set up Gnabry to send a fizzing cross towards Lewandowski, who prodded home at full stretch from close range.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;completely in control, Hertha struck twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The equaliser arrived with a dollop of good fortune on 36 minutes, as a hopeful long-range effort from Dodi Lukebakio deflected off Vedad Ibisevic and wrong-footed goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three minutes later, Hertha took the lead in curious fashion after Marko Grujic clashed heads with new&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;signing Benjamin Pavard.&nbsp;

While Pavard pulled up holding his head, Grujic managed to chase down the loose ball and round Neuer before himself collapsing to the turf.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both players were quickly back on their feet,&nbsp;and Grujic was in the spotlight again when he pulled down Lewandowski off the ball on the hour mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The resulting penalty, given by VAR, was coolly converted by the Polish striker to bring&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;back on level terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lewandowski, Gnabry and Corentin Tolisso all came close as&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;pushed for the winner late on, but Hertha held on to take a well-earned point back to the capital city.

Bayern&nbsp;fans will at least have one new face to cheer on after the club announced they had reached "agreement in principle" to sign Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona.

A brace for Robert Lewandowski was not enough to save Bayern Munich from making a spluttering start to the new Bundesliga season as the reigning German champions were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday.

A brace for Robert Lewandowski was not enough to save Bayern Munich from making a spluttering start to the new Bundesliga season as the reigning German champions were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday. Lewandowski insisted that visitors Hertha had been "lucky" after he saved a point for Bayern with a second-half penalty. Hertha, who finished 11th last season, cancelled out Lewandowski's opener with two unusual goals to take a surprise lead in the first half and ultimately deal an early blow to Bayern's title defence. "We didn't play badly, and they barely had a shot. They were lucky," Lewandowski told ZDF. "It wasn't a false start to the season. We were the better team and should have won," said coach Niko Kovac. Despite winning the domestic double last season, Bayern opened the season under pressure after a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup two weeks ago. Questions over Kovac's tactics and relentless criticism of the club's transfer policy had also unsettled Bayern in the build-up, but they looked sharp early on as Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry probed and prodded on the right wing. The duo finally broke Hertha on 24 minutes, as Kimmich set up Gnabry to send a fizzing cross towards Lewandowski, who prodded home at full stretch from close range. With Bayern completely in control, Hertha struck twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head. The equaliser arrived with a dollop of good fortune on 36 minutes, as a hopeful long-range effort from Dodi Lukebakio deflected off Vedad Ibisevic and wrong-footed goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Three minutes later, Hertha took the lead in curious fashion after Marko Grujic clashed heads with new Bayern signing Benjamin Pavard. While Pavard pulled up holding his head, Grujic managed to chase down the loose ball and round Neuer before himself collapsing to the turf. Both players were quickly back on their feet, and Grujic was in the spotlight again when he pulled down Lewandowski off the ball on the hour mark. The resulting penalty, given by VAR, was coolly converted by the Polish striker to bring Bayern back on level terms. Lewandowski, Gnabry and Corentin Tolisso all came close as Bayern pushed for the winner late on, but Hertha held on to take a well-earned point back to the capital city. Bayern fans will at least have one new face to cheer on after the club announced they had reached "agreement in principle" to sign Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona.

Robert Lewandowski to the rescue as 'lucky' Hertha hold Bayern in season opener

Bundesliga champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ivan-perisic-on-verge-of-bayern-loan-move-report-242481">Bayern Munich signed Croatia winger Ivan Perisic</a> on loan for a season from Inter Milan on Tuesday after a widely expected move by Manchester City's Leroy Sane fell through due to the player's knee injury.

A 2018 World Cup finalist, Perisic, who also played for Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga between 2011 and 2015, will play for Bayern starting on Friday.

Bayern have an option to buy him next season.

The Croat, 30, will reinforce Bayern's wings along with Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman following the departures of veterans Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

Coman has also been plagued by serious injuries since joining the Bavarians two years ago.

"Ivan will instantly help us with his top level experience," said Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic in a statement.

"He is skilled and is flexible up front. I am certain he will quickly integrate because he knows the Bundesliga and also our coach Niko Kovac."

Bayern had publicly expressed an interest to sign City winger Sane but the 23-year-old Germany international tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Community Shield win over Liverpool at Wembley earlier this month.

The German champions, beaten by Dortmund in the German Super Cup earlier this month, kick off their Bundesliga campaign against Hertha Berlin on Friday.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich signed Croatia winger Ivan Perisic on loan for a season from Inter Milan on Tuesday after a widely expected move by Manchester City's Leroy Sane fell through due to the player's knee injury.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich signed Croatia winger Ivan Perisic on loan for a season from Inter Milan on Tuesday after a widely expected move by Manchester City's Leroy Sane fell through due to the player's knee injury. A 2018 World Cup finalist, Perisic, who also played for Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga between 2011 and 2015, will play for Bayern starting on Friday. Bayern have an option to buy him next season. The Croat, 30, will reinforce Bayern's wings along with Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman following the departures of veterans Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. Coman has also been plagued by serious injuries since joining the Bavarians two years ago. "Ivan will instantly help us with his top level experience," said Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic in a statement. "He is skilled and is flexible up front. I am certain he will quickly integrate because he knows the Bundesliga and also our coach Niko Kovac." Bayern had publicly expressed an interest to sign City winger Sane but the 23-year-old Germany international tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Community Shield win over Liverpool at Wembley earlier this month. The German champions, beaten by Dortmund in the German Super Cup earlier this month, kick off their Bundesliga campaign against Hertha Berlin on Friday.

Bayern Munich sign winger Ivan Perisic on from Inter Milan

Inter Milan and Croatia winger Ivan Perisic has confirmed that he is on the verge of a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, according to reports in German media.&nbsp;

Perisic was spotted in Munich on Monday morning, and reportedly told Bild newspaper that he had undergone a medical check.&nbsp;

According to Bild, Bayern will pay a loan fee of five million Euros ($5.6m) for the 2018 World Cup finalist, with the option to buy him outright for around 20 million Euros at the end of the season.&nbsp;

Perisic's current contract at Inter runs until 2022, but he is reportedly set to play less of a role under new coach Antonio Conte.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At Bayern, he will provide much-needed reinforcement on the wing following the departure of club icons Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The German giants had initially targeted Leroy Sane, but turned their attentions to Perisic after the Manchester City winger was confirmed to have torn his anterior cruciate ligament last week, potentially ruling him out until early 2020.&nbsp;

Inter Milan and Croatia winger Ivan Perisic has confirmed that he is on the verge of a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, according to reports in German media.

Inter Milan and Croatia winger Ivan Perisic has confirmed that he is on the verge of a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, according to reports in German media. Perisic was spotted in Munich on Monday morning, and reportedly told Bild newspaper that he had undergone a medical check. According to Bild, Bayern will pay a loan fee of five million Euros ($5.6m) for the 2018 World Cup finalist, with the option to buy him outright for around 20 million Euros at the end of the season. Perisic's current contract at Inter runs until 2022, but he is reportedly set to play less of a role under new coach Antonio Conte. At Bayern, he will provide much-needed reinforcement on the wing following the departure of club icons Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season. The German giants had initially targeted Leroy Sane, but turned their attentions to Perisic after the Manchester City winger was confirmed to have torn his anterior cruciate ligament last week, potentially ruling him out until early 2020.

Ivan Perisic on verge of Bayern loan move: Report

English winger Jadon Sancho starred for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday to help his side beat rivals Bayern Munich 2-0 to win their sixth DFL Super Cup and claim early bragging rights in the curtain-raiser for the German Bundesliga.

The teenager was the key man, assisting one goal and scoring the other in front of the Dortmund faithful against a Bayern side looking a little lost without departed greats Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

Lucien Favre's side tailed off in last season's title challenge, finishing runners-up to Bayern who clinched a record 29th league trophy and the DFB Pokal. However, they showed their determination to put that right, captain Marco Reus forcing a diving save from Manuel Neuer in the very first minute.

Neuer was then lucky to not be beaten or force the referee to show him a red card when he ran out halfway into his own half after 15 minutes to dive at Paco Alcacer who knocked the ball past the goalkeeper, but it trickled past the open goal.

Alcacer made amends for his miss shortly after halftime. Sancho dazzled the opposition with his footwork on the right before teeing up the Spanish striker on the edge of the box who found the bottom right corner.

Some last-ditch defending stopped Bayern from equalising 10 minutes later, with Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski all denied from close range in a matter of seconds.

But it was Sancho who stole the show, doubling Dortmund's lead after collecting the ball and sprinting from almost the halfway line to slot it expertly past Neuer.

Bayern tried to find openings but were unable to find a way past a stubborn yellow wall, which will this season feature Mats Hummels after his return from Munich. The veteran defender was not able to face his former side due to a knock in training.

For Niko Kovac's men, the result was a reminder that they have areas in their squad to improve and they will no doubt increase their efforts to land young winger and long term target Leroy Sane from Manchester City.

Dortmund, meanwhile, go some way to make up for their 5-0 capitulation to Bayern in April and go into the new Bundesliga season buoyed by winning the first silverware of the campaign.

English winger Jadon Sancho starred for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday to help his side beat rivals Bayern Munich 2-0 to win their sixth DFL Super Cup and claim early bragging rights in the curtain-raiser for the German Bundesliga.

English winger Jadon Sancho starred for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday to help his side beat rivals Bayern Munich 2-0 to win their sixth DFL Super Cup and claim early bragging rights in the curtain-raiser for the German Bundesliga. The teenager was the key man, assisting one goal and scoring the other in front of the Dortmund faithful against a Bayern side looking a little lost without departed greats Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Lucien Favre's side tailed off in last season's title challenge, finishing runners-up to Bayern who clinched a record 29th league trophy and the DFB Pokal. However, they showed their determination to put that right, captain Marco Reus forcing a diving save from Manuel Neuer in the very first minute. Neuer was then lucky to not be beaten or force the referee to show him a red card when he ran out halfway into his own half after 15 minutes to dive at Paco Alcacer who knocked the ball past the goalkeeper, but it trickled past the open goal. Alcacer made amends for his miss shortly after halftime. Sancho dazzled the opposition with his footwork on the right before teeing up the Spanish striker on the edge of the box who found the bottom right corner. Some last-ditch defending stopped Bayern from equalising 10 minutes later, with Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski all denied from close range in a matter of seconds. But it was Sancho who stole the show, doubling Dortmund's lead after collecting the ball and sprinting from almost the halfway line to slot it expertly past Neuer. Bayern tried to find openings but were unable to find a way past a stubborn yellow wall, which will this season feature Mats Hummels after his return from Munich. The veteran defender was not able to face his former side due to a knock in training. For Niko Kovac's men, the result was a reminder that they have areas in their squad to improve and they will no doubt increase their efforts to land young winger and long term target Leroy Sane from Manchester City. Dortmund, meanwhile, go some way to make up for their 5-0 capitulation to Bayern in April and go into the new Bundesliga season buoyed by winning the first silverware of the campaign.

Jadon Sancho stars as Dortmund down Bayern Munich to win German Super Cup

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/frances-samir-nasri-completes-west-ham-move-after-doping-ban-187684&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFrvPl4L3jAhUViOYKHWaaDJ0QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3sxppGauwWu7aBdgiOfC37">West Ham United</a> have signed French striker Sebastien Haller from Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt for an undisclosed club-record fee, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old joins on a five-year deal with an option of a further year, becoming the Londoners' fourth signing of the summer.

British media reports put the figure at £45 million ($56 million).

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How excited are you to see <a href="https://twitter.com/HallerSeb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HallerSeb</a> in action?! 😍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SayHaller?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SayHaller</a> <a href="https://t.co/15Qy5vjLmJ">pic.twitter.com/15Qy5vjLmJ</a>
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/1151540819058483202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-ham-inflict-first-defeat-on-spurs-at-new-home-213965&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFrvPl4L3jAhUViOYKHWaaDJ0QFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0T0W27DiJE-7w5gbBo9WAd">West Ham</a>'s previous record signing was attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson from Lazio last July for a reported initial £35 million, rising to a potential 42 million.

West Ham United have signed French striker Sebastien Haller from Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt for an undisclosed club-record fee, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

West Ham United have signed French striker Sebastien Haller from Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt for an undisclosed club-record fee, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. The 25-year-old joins on a five-year deal with an option of a further year, becoming the Londoners' fourth signing of the summer. British media reports put the figure at £45 million ($56 million). How excited are you to see @HallerSeb in action?! 😍 #SayHaller pic.twitter.com/15Qy5vjLmJ — West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) July 17, 2019 × West Ham's previous record signing was attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson from Lazio last July for a reported initial £35 million, rising to a potential 42 million.

West Ham sign French striker Sebastien Haller from Frankfurt

Germany's star footballer Thomas Muller shared a picture posing&nbsp;in the Indian cricket jersey, carrying a cricket bat in his left hand. He wished all the participants good luck for the Cricket World Cup 2019, which is underway in England and Wales.&nbsp;

He gave a special mention to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injury-scare-for-india-skipper-virat-kohli-hurts-thumb-during-training-223619">Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli</a> and extended good wishes to the 'Men in Blue'.

The 29-year-old, himself a world champion with Germany in 2014, took to social media on Monday to declare his support for India, who start their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday.

Mueller revealed India captain Virat Kohli had often supported the German national football team in the past, so he has returned the favour by backing the two-time World Cup winners.

Muller took to Twitter and shared his picture with the&nbsp;good luck message. He wrote, "I wish all participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck &amp; thrilling matches."

"Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He's a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it multiple times in the past," he added with a hashtag #GermanyCheersForIndia.&nbsp;

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I wish all participants of the Cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup2019</a> good luck &amp; thrilling matches. Especially I cross my fingers for <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>, the captain of the Indian team. He`s a fan of <a href="https://twitter.com/DFB_Team?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DFB_Team</a> and supported it multiple times in the past 🏏✊😃 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GermanyCheersForIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GermanyCheersForIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/esmuellert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#esmuellert</a> <a href="https://t.co/hwS4apAlIE">pic.twitter.com/hwS4apAlIE</a>
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) <a href="https://twitter.com/esmuellert_/status/1135524238943764480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thomas Muller is a German professional footballer and he plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich.&nbsp;

Germany's star footballer Thomas Muller shared a picture posing in the Indian cricket jersey, carrying a cricket bat in his left hand. He wished all the participants good luck for the Cricket World Cup 2019, which is underway in England and Wales.

Germany's star footballer Thomas Muller shared a picture posing in the Indian cricket jersey, carrying a cricket bat in his left hand. He wished all the participants good luck for the Cricket World Cup 2019, which is underway in England and Wales. He gave a special mention to the Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli and extended good wishes to the 'Men in Blue'. The 29-year-old, himself a world champion with Germany in 2014, took to social media on Monday to declare his support for India, who start their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday. Mueller revealed India captain Virat Kohli had often supported the German national football team in the past, so he has returned the favour by backing the two-time World Cup winners. Muller took to Twitter and shared his picture with the good luck message. He wrote, "I wish all participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck & thrilling matches." "Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He's a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it multiple times in the past," he added with a hashtag #GermanyCheersForIndia. I wish all participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck & thrilling matches. Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He`s a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it multiple times in the past 🏏✊😃 #Cricket #GermanyCheersForIndia #esmuellert pic.twitter.com/hwS4apAlIE — Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) June 3, 2019 × Thomas Muller is a German professional footballer and he plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich.

German footballer Thomas Muller wishes Virat Kohli & team good luck for World Cup

Colombia captain James Rodriguez has been included in their squad for next month's Copa America in Brazil despite concerns over his form and fitness.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-pay-record-fee-to-sign-world-cup-winner-lucas-hernandez-206245&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjU-bWw4MXiAhUHiXAKHUvXC8AQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3fXvNk_wq9roAbitcx5KOU">Bayern Munich</a> player managed a full 90 minutes only three times in the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-win-bundesliga-title-for-seventh-successive-season-219687&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjU-bWw4MXiAhUHiXAKHUvXC8AQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1SWFFYBjR4jjQ22NI9pDSl"> Bundesliga</a> this season and missed four of his club's last five games with various muscular problems.

He was also troubled by a calf injury during last year's World Cup in Russia when Colombia were knocked out in the last sixteen.

"We have a personal coach for James and we have 15 days to get him ready for the opening match against Argentina. I'd be delighted to have James playing lots of games," said coach Carlos Queiroz.

Other players to make the final 23 included Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado and forward Duvan Zapata, who was the second top scorer in Italy's Serie A this season and helped unfancied Atalanta qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

The surprise call-up was 20-year-old defender Jhon Lucumi who helped Racing Genk win the Belgian league this season.

Colombia will face Argentina, Paraguay and guest team Qatar in their group as they play their first competitive matches under Queiroz, who has replaced Jose Pekerman.

"It's time to work, this is no time to party," said the Portuguese in announcing the squad.

"A triumphalist attitude would not be responsible before the competition. We need to be together and aware, with ambition and humility. That's the only way we can fulfil our dreams," said&nbsp;Carlos Queiroz.

Goalkeepers: 
David Ospina (Napoli), Alvaro Montero (Deportes Tolima), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali)

Defenders: 
Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham Hotspur), Yerry Mina (Everton), Cristian Borja (Sporting), Santiago Arias (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), William Tesillo (Leon), Jhon Lucumi (Racing Genk), Stefan Medina (Monterrey)

Midfielders: 
Gustavo Cuellar (Flamengo), Mateus Uribe (America-Mexico), Wilmar Barrios (Zenit St Petersburg), Jefferson Lerma (Bournemouth), James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich), Edwin Cardona (Pachuca), Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)

Forwards: 
Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Luis Muriel (Fiorentina), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta), Luis Diaz (Atletico Junior), Roger Martinez (America-Mexico)

Colombia captain James Rodriguez has been included in their squad for next month's Copa America in Brazil despite concerns over his form and fitness. The Bayern Munich player managed a full 90 minutes only three times in the Bundesliga this season and missed four of his club's last five games with various muscular problems.

Colombia captain James Rodriguez has been included in their squad for next month's Copa America in Brazil despite concerns over his form and fitness. The Bayern Munich player managed a full 90 minutes only three times in the Bundesliga this season and missed four of his club's last five games with various muscular problems. He was also troubled by a calf injury during last year's World Cup in Russia when Colombia were knocked out in the last sixteen. "We have a personal coach for James and we have 15 days to get him ready for the opening match against Argentina. I'd be delighted to have James playing lots of games," said coach Carlos Queiroz. Other players to make the final 23 included Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado and forward Duvan Zapata, who was the second top scorer in Italy's Serie A this season and helped unfancied Atalanta qualify for the Champions League for the first time. The surprise call-up was 20-year-old defender Jhon Lucumi who helped Racing Genk win the Belgian league this season. Colombia will face Argentina, Paraguay and guest team Qatar in their group as they play their first competitive matches under Queiroz, who has replaced Jose Pekerman. "It's time to work, this is no time to party," said the Portuguese in announcing the squad. "A triumphalist attitude would not be responsible before the competition. We need to be together and aware, with ambition and humility. That's the only way we can fulfil our dreams," said Carlos Queiroz. Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Napoli), Alvaro Montero (Deportes Tolima), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali) Defenders: Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham Hotspur), Yerry Mina (Everton), Cristian Borja (Sporting), Santiago Arias (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), William Tesillo (Leon), Jhon Lucumi (Racing Genk), Stefan Medina (Monterrey) Midfielders: Gustavo Cuellar (Flamengo), Mateus Uribe (America-Mexico), Wilmar Barrios (Zenit St Petersburg), Jefferson Lerma (Bournemouth), James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich), Edwin Cardona (Pachuca), Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) Forwards: Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Luis Muriel (Fiorentina), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta), Luis Diaz (Atletico Junior), Roger Martinez (America-Mexico)

Colombia's injury-hit captain James Rodriguez included in their Copa America squad

Golden era to brand new dawn: Bayern Munich set for major overhaul

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