As all Bundesliga clubs rest over the Christmas break in preparation for the beginning of the rückrunde (start of the second half of the season) in January, we look back on the first half of the season and assess how each club’s campaign is going so far.

Here is the GGFN mid-season Bundesliga Review 2024/25.

Current top goalscorer: Harry Kane (14)

In Vincent Kompany’s first season in charge at Bayern they would have been aiming to finish top of the tree come Christmas and that’s exactly what they’ve done. They currently lead the way by four points having only just lost once in the league so far. Kompany’s side have, for the best part, been defensively well-drilled and allowed the likes of Kane, Musiala, and Olise to do their thing. However, it is noticeable when Musiala is out of the team and they lack that unique creative spark. Having finished 2024 with a thumping 5-1 victory over RB Leipzig, Bayern are certainly favourites to win the Bundesliga title.

Current top goalscorer: Patrik Schick (9)

B04 had a rough start to the campaign and were struggling to keep clean sheets; in fact they’ve only managed two in the Bundesliga so far. Despite this, Xabi Alonso’s side have improved as the months have progressed and now find themselves second in the table. With the injury to Victor Boniface, former frontman Patrick Schick has had to step up to the plate and he’s done just that. Formally linked with a move to Italy, the Czech international will now be key to B04’s success in the rückrunde. Granted, they’re not the same side as last season, but who genuinely believed they could replicate that? Still within touching distance of the leaders, Leverkusen should be happy with how their Bundesliga campaign is going thus far.

Current top goalscorer: Omar Marmoush (13)

Frankfurt have been an entertaining watch so far this season. They’re excellent on the break and have the outstanding Omar Marmoush in their ranks. The Egyptian international has shown his class so far this season and looks like he’ll be playing at the top of European football for years to come. Additionally, it’s been a breakout season for Nathaniel Brown. The left-wing back has only played eight Bundesliga games but already has three goals and 3 assists. It’s worth mentioning that the 21 year old is available to play for the United States as well as Germany internationally. Frankfurt spent most of the opening months in second place but have recently dropped into third having not won any of their last five matches in all competitions. Frankfurt will be delighted where they are right now, considering they have the youngest team in the division.

Current top goalscorer: Loïs Openda (6)

It’s been a mixed bag for RB Leipzig. Head coach Marco Rose was very close to losing his job back in November but managed to turn the corner having not won a single game in that month. Many believed that the Saxons would be able to finally make the step up this campaign and finally become serious title contenders. However, it’s looking more likely that they’ll fall short once again and look to solidify a top four place. Their 5-1 defeat to Bayern before the winter break only highlighted just how far they’re away from the title. Overall, the Bundesliga season isn’t going too bad but there is still room for improvement.

Current top goalscorer: Jonathan Burkardt (10)

Not many would have had Mainz to be 5th at Christmas but here we are! Bo Henriksen’s team have proven to be tough to beat, particularly on the road having only lost once on their travels. Top goalscorer, Jonathan Burkardt, has recently become the club’s all-time Bundesliga goal scorer and has shown no signs of slowing down. Mainz won their last two games against Bayern and Frankfurt, just let that tell you how far this team has come in the space of one season. Only 10 points off last season’s total (35), Mainz will be aiming to maintain this momentum and finish in a European spot.

Current top goalscorer: Serhou Guirassy (6)

Quite simply, this isn’t the Bundesliga season BVB would have envisioned and again it’s a story of two complete opposites for the club. At home, Dortmund haven’t lost in the league, having won six and drawn two. However, on their travels they have won just one game, drawn two, and lost four. Now 11 points off the league leaders, Nuri Şahin’s side will be more focussed on solidating a Champions League place rather than Bundesliga silverware. Perhaps Dortmund’s saving grace is that those above them have not pulled away. In fact, from 3rd to 10th, just four points separate the teams. The New Year for BVB will be about maintaining their home record whilst drastically improving their away form. As always, it’s never plain sailing for Dortmund.

Current top goalscorer: Jens Stage (7)

It’s been an outstanding season so far for Bremen. Well in the mix for European football next term having won their last three matches before the winter break. It’s been on the road where Bremen have collected the majority of their points so far this campaign. In fact, only Bayern can boast a better away record than Ole Werner’s side. Though Bremen score and concede at nearly equal rates, it’s their midfielders which are proving the difference, hence why central midfielder Jens Stage is the current top scorer. Playing in a 3-5-2 formation, Bremen often use the additional man in the middle to their advantage. It’s worth keeping an eye out for Bremen in 2025.

Current top goalscorer: Tim Kleindienst (9)

The mood heading into this season at Borussia Park was rather low, Gerardo Seoane kept his job and there seemed to be a lack of investment in key areas. However, six months later the mood is completely different. Gladbach’s faith in Seoane has paid off as the club only find themselves three points off of the top four, with strong performances against four of the top six. They have also rid themselves of personal demons such as not winning two games in a month and not winning two games back to back. At the heart of this has been Tim Kleindienst, the 29 year old has nine goals and four assists in the first half of hte season and has fired his way into the German national team. What better way for Gladbach to kick off 2025 than a home game against Bayern Munich.

Current top goalscorer: Ritsu Doan (5)

It was always going to be a challenge for Frieburg this season having just said goodbye to former long-term head coach Christian Streich. Now under the leadership of Julian Schuster, the club did make a great start to the campaign but have just lost momentum slightly heading into winter. Freburg haven’t won back-to-back Bundesliga games since early October and finished off 2024 with a 5-1 loss away to Leverkusen. Though remarkably just three points off 3rd, Freiburg perhaps lack the consistency to solidify a European spot this season. So far, mixed fortunes for Freiburg.

Current top goalscorer: Ermedin Demirović (7)

This season has been quite the adjustment for Stuttgart. They’ve had to balance Champions League football whilst having to deal with plenty of incomings and outcomings in the transfer window. Though 10th isn’t exactly where they want to be right now, the Swabians know they’re capable of bridging the gap and pushing for another European spot. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side are capable of putting in performances against top teams but it’s the inconsistency when playing against teams they’re expected to beat (on paper anyway). VfB may still qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League but it may only come as a consequence domestically as it’s already shown.

Current top goalscorer: Jonas Wind (6)

Although their position of 11th doesn’t look the best, Wolfsburg’s performances say otherwise. The Autostadt side did end 2024 with two losses to both Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund but before then they were on a eight-game winning run in all competitions, this sees them only four points off of a European place while they are also still in the DFB Pokal quarter-finals. Wolfsburg’s current positioning is a testament to the stability that Ralph Hasenhütl has brought to the side after previously languishing just above the relegation zone.

Current top goalscorer: Benedict Hollerbach (3)

Union Berlin head into the winter break having failed to win any of their last five games. Until then, they’d had a mixed bag but now and perhaps just looking over their shoulders a bit more. So much so that Bo Svensson has been relieved of his duties just a few days after Christmas. Whoever the new coach is, it’s uncertain how busy they’ll be in the transfer window. With their top scorer only just three goals and one win away from home all season, it’s clear to see where Union need to improve. It’s unlikely that they’ll be involved in a relegation battle but still a disappointing campaign so far.

Current top goalscorer: Phillip Tietz (5)

Augsburg are pretty much exactly where you’d exact them to be halfway through the season. Currently six points away from the relegation play-off and eight away from the automatic drop, FCA will fancy their chances to steer clear of any danger this campaign. Augsburg, for the most part, have been able to take points off those around them. However, having lost 5-1 to Kiel just before the break, it gives them something to be aware of. If FCA put in the performances that they’re capable of they can expect to finish in and around 13th.

Current top goalscorer: Johannes Eggestein (2)

If you would have offered St. Pauli to be outside the relegation places at the end of 2024, they would have certainly taken it. Their win away at Stuttgart before the break has given them a boost not only in the table but in confidence. They’ve proven that they are capable of battling with teams in the top flight; it’s just a matter of taking the opportunities when they come. One of St. Pauli’s biggest issues this season has been not scoring when they’re on top during a game. Surprisingly, St. Pauli’s away form is far superior in comparison to their home record. Many would have expected the Millerntor-Stadion to be somewhat of a fortress this season but it’s yet to happen. If St. Pauli can improve that home record slightly, they have a great chance of survival.

Current top goalscorer: Andrej Kramaric (6)

Two different managers, zero improvement. Since Christian Ilzer has taken over, Hoffenheim have only won one game, a 4-3 win against RB Leipzig, granted TSG have had a tough run of fixtures, whilst also having to balance European commitments, but there is little sign of improvement in Sinsheim. The only reason that Hoffenheim have not sunk into the relegation zone is due to the lack of quality below them, but if things don’t drastically change in the new year, Sturm Graz 2.0 may sack another manager, which is one away from their win total this season.

Current top goalscorer: Marvin Pieringer (4)

If second-season syndrome is a thing, try adding European football into the mix. The rise of Heidenheim has been special but they’ve really struggled trying to juggle both the league and Europe this campaign. Heidenheim are going strong in the Conference League and will qualify for the knockout stages. However, the real focus must be on the Bundesliga in 2025. Without a win in the league since September 24th, they’re well within a relegation scrap. The only positive is that Kiel and Bochum have been just as poor.

Current top goalscorer: Shuto Machino (6)

Holstein Kiel are exactly where you’d expect them to be; deep in a relegation battle. They have the worst defence in the league but are outscoring a few teams around them. Their win just before Christmas will give them belief that they can gather the points needed to at least push survival all the way until the last game of the season. One highlight for Kiel so far this campaign is top scorer Machino. In the position they’re in, having a player that can possibly get 10 goals a season is massive. It’s just a question of whether they can improve their defensive record.

Current top goalscorer: Matus Bero (3)

Where to start with Bochum? Played 15 and won just once, replaced their head coach and sporting director, and already look like they’ll be playing in the 2. Bundesliga next term. They’re by far the lowest scorers in the league with 13 and have conceded 35 in the process. The only crumb that Bochum have to cling onto is they are unbeaten in their last two games for the first time this season. Having beaten Heidenheim just before the break was massive and remarkably means that they’re only four points off the relegation play-off place. For Bochum, it’s about trying to reach 16th, let alone automatic survival. It’s been a dreadful season so far and it’s going to take a miracle for them to escape the drop.

GGFN | Jamie Allen & Jack Meenan