FC Bayern Munich: Title Dreams Are Almost Over but Continental Hopes Are Alive

Borussia Dortmund came from behind to beat Freiburg 2-1. Bayern could only draw with Leverkusen, in no small part, thanks to the referee, and thus is now 14 points behind the run-away leaders.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern

Bayern opened the scoring as early as the second minute when Bastian Schweinsteiger headed in past Rene Adler. The referee, dubiously, disallowed the goal. Replays showed that Schweinsteiger was clearly onside. Leverkusen had plenty of shots and Sidney Sam hit the bar.

Bayern opened the scoring, somewhat against the run of play, as Mario Gomez headed in a delicate cross from Schweinsteiger. At the stroke of halftime, Danijel Pranjic, who had been given a rough time by Sam, fouled Sam in the penalty area.

Arturo Vidal stepped up to the spot and scored the equalizer. Bayern will feel that the penalty was slightly soft. After the break, both sides had chances to win the game. The best one fell to Mario Gomez who headed just over the bar from Andreas Ottl's cross.

Roma vs. Bayern

For the trip to Roma, six Bayern players will be unavailable. Schweinsteiger is suspended for this match. Mark Van Bommel, Arjen Robben, Miroslav Klose and Holger Badstuber will not travel while Ivica Olic is unavailable for six months or more. Franck Ribery might start. Martin Demichelis might also get the nod ahead of Daniel van Buyten after his return to fitness.

Karl Heinz Rummenigge issued a warning statement; he told the club's official website that Bayern will not hesitate to make new signings in the winter break if the team (especially the defence) doesn't stop having momentary lapses in every match.

Bayern has already qualified for the next stage and only need a point to guarantee their status as group leaders. This is something they need as they might get an easier draw in the next stage.

Prediction: Bayern will get all three points against a resurgent Roma.

Final Score: Roma 1-2 Bayern