Wolfsburg rehearsing their victory speeches
Friday, May 22, 2009
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The Bundesliga trophy will be at VfL Wolfsburg's stadium on Saturday in anticipation of title success for Felix Magath's men, but should they lose to Werder Bremen, FC Bayern München or VfB Stuttgart could snatch glory.
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The German league trophy will be at VfL Wolfsburg's home stadium on Saturday in anticipation of a title success for Felix Magath's side, but should they lose against Werder Bremen, FC Bayern München or VfB Stuttgart could snatch glory.
Close contest
Seeking their maiden German title, Wolfsburg go into the last day of the season two points clear of second-placed Bayern and Stuttgart, in third, with the latter pair meeting in Munich in their final game. Due to a superior goal difference, Magath's men can afford to draw against the beaten UEFA Cup finalists, but a defeat could trigger a dramatic finale, with the winner of the game at the Fußball Arena München taking the crown.
Hertha hope
Should Bayern and Stuttgart draw, the title will be Wolfsburg's regardless, but there could be another twist. Hertha BSC Berlin, in fourth, are a point adrift of the two teams above them. A UEFA Champions League place would be theirs if a draw in Munich coincides with a win in their game against bottom side Karlsruher SC, though due to goal difference, their title hopes are purely theoretical.
'In our hands'
Magath, who has already agreed to take charge of FC Schalke 04 next season, is determined to leave Wolfsburg on high. "It's all in our hands and now we want to win the German title," said the former Stuttgart and Bayern coach, whose side boast the best home record in the Bundesliga, and are looking to avoid losing at the Volkswagen Arena for the first time in 2008/09.
Realistic hopes
Unbeaten in their last nine games, Stuttgart are purring with coach and former Bayern player Markus Babbel saying: "Second place is still realistic, even though the game at Bayern will be tough. If we can build on recent performances then it will be tough for Bayern to beat us." Bayern interim coach Jupp Heynckes said simply: "Our goal is to win the last game of the season against Stuttgart."