Overview
- Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 to open an 11-point lead in the title race, with the result widely viewed as decisive.
- Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck drew scrutiny for a risky celebration while booked, a high challenge that brought only yellow, and a later penalty he conceded that Harry Kane converted.
- The 36 license clubs are moving to create a voluntary U21 Nachwuchsliga from 2026/27 with low-cost, flexible rules including unlimited substitutions, variable match durations, neutral venues within roughly 250 km, initial games without spectators, and up to four over‑age players.
- HSV face three matches in six days after their January Leverkusen fixture was postponed for stadium safety reasons, with coach Merlin Polzin insisting the team will not complain despite key defensive absences.
- Beyond the title race, Germany’s women beat Slovenia 5-0 with debutant Larissa Mühlhaus scoring, while analysis highlights Borussia Mönchengladbach’s falling squad value and performance metrics as a growing risk.