DÜSSELDORF – The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost everything about soccer in Germany, except Bayern Munich's chances of winning.
The seven-time defending champions are still the team to beat. When the Bundesliga resumes on Saturday after a two-month suspension caused by the pandemic, Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig will be Bayern's main challengers.
The match between local rivals Dortmund and Schalke — the highest-profile of the first day's games — would normally be a sea of yellow and blue, with ear-splitting chants and elaborate pre-game displays in the stands.
But on Saturday the stands will be empty and the coaches on the sidelines will be wearing masks. The unprecedented suspension has put every team in uncharted territory.