Can RB Leipzig really beat Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title?

As Cheltenham Festival has come to an end, it's only right that we move on and take a look at a brilliantly thrilling two-horse race in the final stretches of the footballing season. And as there doesn't seem to be one in England, we thought we'd go to Germany, where RB Leipzig are pushing Bayern Munich to the wire.

The story of RB Leipzig - however short and money-fuelled it may be - is an extraordinary one. After their foundation in 2009, the club went on to secure four promotions in seven years to reach the German top flight and, since then, have never finished below sixth place. But in their four years at Germany's top table, Leipzig have never finished within 12 points of Bayern, who have been crowned Bundesliga champions in each of the last eight seasons.

However, this year is different - everything is still to play for. Bayern currently sit four points above Leipzig, who represent the sole challenge to their ninth successive title. And, however unstoppable the Bavarians look, there is always a chance for the underdog, always.

So, can it be done? Can RB Leipzig actually win the Bundesliga? Well, let's assess their situations and decide...

The form and style of play

Now, obviously both teams are in great form, and have been throughout the campaign. Both have lost just three Bundesliga games all season (the most recent of which coming on February 20 for Bayern, and January 23 for Leipzig) and win more often than not. But they how they've accumulated so many points differs.

Bayern's success this campaign has been based on power, destruction and the ability to outscore their opposition in any circumstance. The Bavarians boast the best attack in the league with a whopping 78 goals in 26 games and Lewandowski alone has notched 35 - he looks well on course to break Gerd Muller's record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season.

Simply put, Hansi Flick's side are built to score goals.

They are set up to be able to pick the ball up in anywhere on the field (usually as high up as possible, of course) and work their way up to the opposition penalty area within seconds. The passing ability at the back, the breath-taking pace on either wing, the machine-like power in the centre of the pitch and the clinical nature up top allow them to simply steamroll their counterparts.

But they are not without fault. Consistent lapses in concentration from the likes of Jerome Boateng in defence have caused Bayern to concede 35 times in their 26 league games this campaign. So if the machine stops producing chances, then there's reason to worry.

Leipzig, on the other hand, are almost the complete opposite. A very humble 48 goals this campaign shows that they've been missing Timo Werner - who had ended the last four seasons as the club's top scorer. Their top marksmen this season are Marcel Sabitzer, Emil Forsberg and Christopher Nkunku, who have all scored just the six league goals.

But the title hopefuls are not without creative spark. The likes of the aforementioned three and two tirelessly energetic wing-backs provide a fluidity to Leipzig's play, while Dani Olmo is on an impressive eight assists this campaign. Goalscoring may be an issue at times, but they always hurt their opposition when they see an opening in the final third.

What is most impressive about Julian Nagelsmann's side, however, is at the opposite end of the pitch. They have conceded just 21 goals in their 26 matches so far, and Peter Gulacsi is at the top of the clean sheets chart with 13 - compared to Manuel Neuer's six.

The run-ins

Probably the most important part of deciding who could actually win a title at this stage is the run-in. So, let's take a look at who both sides still need to overcome to win the Meisterschale.

Bayern Munich

RB Leipzig (A)
Union Berlin (H)
Wolfsburg (A)
Bayer Leverkusen (H)
Mainz (A)
Borussia Monchengladbach (H)
Freiburg (A)
Augsburg (H)

RB Leipzig

Bayern Munich (H)
Werder Bremen (A)
Hoffenheim (H)
FC Koln (A)
Stuttgart (H)
Borussia Dortmund (A)
Wolfsburg (H)
Union Berlin (A)

Neither side have an easy run-in and the crucial game will be when they face each other immediately after the upcoming international break.

Flick's side can look at their remaining fixtures and feel optimistic. The onus for their trip to Leipzig is without doubt on the hosts, while a game against Wolfsburg is the only other top four side they face before the end of the campaign.

The concern for Bayern fans is their commitment to the the Champions League. If the Bavarians are to progress into the last four of the competition, they will have to beat PSG, which will take its toll on players' fitness, not to mention the potential semi-finals before the Bundesliga's conclusion.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool, Leipzig are fully concentrated on league affairs (with a DFB Cup semi final also in the mind). But with a trip to Dortmund and then hosting Wolfsburg as well as the Bayern tie, their task is by no means simple. And if Bayern continue with their rampaging ways, it's tough to see a way for Leipzig to claw their way up to top spot.

So can Leipzig really usurp Bayern to the Meisterschale? Well, we all love an underdog, but this race seems run.

Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig final points prediction

Bayern Munich: 80

RB Leipzig: 77