In Italy, industrial regions generate the hype with Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus bringing the Italian greats back to the forefront.
Yet, hidden deeper in the fray is a giant of huge proportions: Bayern Munich. Although it does not have as much hype or splash as other teams (they’re German, they just churn away and catch you by surprise), Bayern Munich is an undisputed king in the world of football.
If betting lines are to be accepted (and we all know they rule the sporting world), Barcelona is the favorite to win the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League at 2.5 pay, Real Madrid closely behind at 3.5, and third place is Bayern Munich at 6. The next closest team is at 14 points or over.
Bayern Munich has not gone more than a year without winning the Bundesliga (Germany’s first division) since 1994-1995. After being upset last year by Borussia Dortmund it has come back with a vengeance.
Munich finds itself atop the Bundesliga in a three way tie with Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04. It has won games by scores of 6-0, 7-0, and 5-0.
Of the leading scorers in the league, two from Bayern Munich are in the top 10 (Frank Ribery and Marco Gomez) with Gomez leading all scorers. Bayern also finds itself with arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Manuel Neuer.
It’s hard to gage just how dominant Bayern Munich can be when it is committed to playing with the toughness of Real Madrid and the possession of Barcelona. It might prove to be unbeatable in European competition.
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