Five months after a humiliating 6-0 Bundesliga defeat to Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig captain David Raum believes his side is now better equipped to challenge the league leaders.

That heavy loss came on the opening weekend of the season, when Bayern delivered a ruthless performance led by a second-half hat-trick from Harry Kane. Bayern remain unbeaten at the halfway mark, boasting a record-breaking points total and the strongest attacking numbers in Bundesliga history.

The match also marked the start of a new era for Leipzig following a summer rebuild, with new coach Ole Werner and several signings making their Bundesliga debuts under Global Head of Football Jurgen Klopp. Since then, Raum says Leipzig’s playing style and understanding of the coach’s demands have significantly improved.

Calling Bayern “the best team in the world right now,” Raum admitted the opening defeat was painful, especially as his first match as captain. However, he believes familiarity with several Bayern players could provide extra motivation, adding that he hopes they “do not have their best performance” this weekend.

Bayern have lost just once in 27 matches this season, while Leipzig regained confidence with a 2-0 win over Freiburg on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund host St Pauli on Saturday, and Stuttgart welcome Union Berlin on Sunday, as the Bundesliga resumes a crucial phase of the campaign.

Key Statistics

1. 47 – Bayerns 47 points at the halfway point match the highest total ever recorded in Bundesliga history.
2. 11 – Bayern hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund, equaling the largest gap at this stage of a season.
3. 65 – Bayern have scored 65 goals by mid-season, the most ever at this point in the league.