Bundesliga: A Four-way title race

Over the weekend the German Bundesliga returned to action after a four week winter break. And Round 18 started off with a big bang to open-up the title race with now four clubs with a chance of winning the title.

The second-leg of the Bundesliga opened on Friday evening with a classic Borussia Mönchengladbach vs FC Bayern Munich game. Bayern Munich came into the game as winter champions, but Mönchengladbach's young turks showed the Bavarians what they are made off as Gladbach went on to win 3-1 on the night.

On Saturday FC Schalke 04 followed with a 3-1 win against VfB Stuttgart and then Borussia Dortmund demolished Hamburger SV 5-1 away to make it a successful start in 2012 for the three west German clubs chasing the mighty Bavarians.

After match day 18 the top four teams are only divided by one point. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke all have 37 points, while Borussia Mönchengladbach is fourth on 36 points. But Bayern remain top of the league with a superior goal difference.

The Bundesliga has had interesting two or three-way races for the title, but never ever has it experienced such a four-way race. One will have to see how things pan out in the weeks to come, if Bayern Munich slip further or if they can regain their form and keep their rivals at a distance. Then one thing remains the same - the title favourites are Bayern Munich.