Following a dramatic midweek of European action, the Bundesliga returns this weekend with Matchday 20 offering a compelling slate of fixtures. The headline attraction sees league leaders Bayern Munich travel north to face newly-promoted Hamburger SV at the Volksparkstadion on Saturday evening, while several other intriguing matchups promise to shape both the title race and the battle against relegation.
Bayern Look to Bounce Back in Hamburg
- Match: Hamburger SV vs Bayern Munich, January 31, 18:30
Vincent Kompany’s side will be eager to respond after suffering their first Bundesliga defeat of the season last weekend. The champions fell 2-1 at home to Augsburg, ending a remarkable 27-match unbeaten run that stretched back to March. Bayern recovered in midweek with a 2-1 victory at PSV Eindhoven, where Jamal Musiala marked his first start since returning from a broken leg with a goal, while Harry Kane came off the bench to net the winner.
Hamburg present a unique challenge. The northern club returned to the Bundesliga this season after seven years in the second tier and have been resolute at home, collecting 15 of their 18 points at the Volksparkstadion. However, Merlin Polzin’s men arrive on a five-game winless run and have struggled badly in attack, scoring just 17 goals all season.
Bayern hold a dominant record in this fixture, having won their last 10 matches against Hamburg across all competitions. Kick-off is set for 18:30 CET on Saturday.
Frankfurt Host Leverkusen in Key Saturday Clash
- Match: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen, January 31, 15:30
Saturday’s 15:30 kick-offs feature several compelling encounters, with the standout fixture seeing Eintracht Frankfurt host Bayer Leverkusen at Deutsche Bank Park. Frankfurt are still searching for stability after relieving head coach Dino Toppmöller of his duties earlier this month, while Leverkusen secured their Champions League playoff berth with a convincing 3-0 win over Villarreal on Wednesday, with Malik Tillman scoring twice.
In domestic terms, Frankfurt occupy seventh place with 27 points, while Leverkusen sit sixth on 29 points. Die Werkself have now been drawn against Olympiacos in the Champions League knockout phase playoff round following the draw on Friday.
Other Weekend Fixtures
January 30, 20:30
- FC Köln vs VfL Wolfsburg
January 31, 15:30
- FC Augsburg vs FC St. Pauli
- TSG Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin
- RB Leipzig vs Mainz
- Werder Bremen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach
February 1, 15:30
- VfB Stuttgart vs SC Freiburg
February 1, 17:30
- Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim
Friday’s action sees FC Köln host VfL Wolfsburg, while Saturday’s afternoon slate includes a crucial relegation battle between Augsburg and bottom club St. Pauli. Third-placed Hoffenheim face Union Berlin as they look to maintain their surprise Champions League push, and RB Leipzig host Mainz seeking to steady their season after a 5-1 thrashing by Bayern on Matchday 18.
Sunday brings two fixtures to close the weekend. VfB Stuttgart host Freiburg at 15:30 CET, before Borussia Dortmund welcome Heidenheim to Signal Iduna Park at 17:30 CET. Dortmund will look to bounce back from their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Inter, while Heidenheim remain bottom of the table, still searching for their first win of 2026.
The overriding narrative of Matchday 20 centres on Bayern Munich’s response to their first league defeat. With the title race appearing settled, the battles for Champions League places and survival at the bottom provide equally compelling storylines as the Rückrunde gathers pace.
