Bayern Munich have a long and proud history in the Champions League, and now, with the advantage against Fiorentina, they are making good on their reputation once again.
The Bundesliga heads into the second half of the season with all to play for. Bayer Leverkusen will look to battle a resurgent Bayern Munich for the title, whilst Hertha Berlin want only to survive.
Hertha Berlin could almost touch the Bundesliga shield last season. How things have changed. Avoiding relegation to the 2.Bundesliga would now be something of a success.
Stuttgart were Bundesliga champions as recently as 2007. Now under former Bayern Munich defender Markus Babbel, they are seriously struggling to get going this season.
Italy striker Luca Toni is finding first-team football hard to come by at Bayern Munich. Toni shone brightly in the 2006 World Cup, but needs to play regularly to make South Africa.