The 17 legendary opponents

Title tier: the direct rivals

The three title teams are your direct rivals in the race for the perfect season: Bayern Munich 2012/13 (89), Bayer Leverkusen 2023/24 (88) and Borussia Dortmund 2011/12 (86). They decide the six key matches of the season — lose twice against them and the 34-0-0 chase is over.

Europe tier: the history books

Seven teams make up the Europe tier: from Borussia Mönchengladbach 1976/77 (85) to 1. FC Kaiserslautern 1997/98, 1. FC Köln 1977/78 and Hamburger SV 1982/83 (all 84), plus Werder Bremen 2003/04 (83), VfL Wolfsburg 2008/09 (82) and VfB Stuttgart 2006/07 (81). Every one of them made history in their own way — and every one can cost you points in the title race.

Mid-table: the trap of the season

The mid-table is the trap of the season: FC Schalke 04 2000/01 (80), 1. FC Union Berlin 2022/23 (79), Eintracht Frankfurt 1991/92 (79) and TSV 1860 Munich 1965/66 (78) are weaker than the top teams — but not weak enough for carelessness. Perfect seasons are lost exactly against them.

How to beat the 17 opponents

Every team has a tactics DNA — possession, gegenpressing or counter — and every DNA has its answer. On the detail pages you will find the right strategy for each opponent, the key players with their ratings and the best XI of the season.

The plan for the perfect season

A tip before you start: think about which games you must win and which you can afford to drop. Against the title teams every point counts, against the relegation tier a draw is already a mistake — and nobody wants to see the shame card against Tasmania 1965/66.

Real teams, real history

All 17 opponents are real teams from Bundesliga history — from the 1965/66 season to 2023/24. Their squads and ratings are based on the real players of each season and are editorial approximations for the game 34-0-0.

Relegation tier: the must-win games

The three bottom sides are the must-win games of the season: 1. FC Nürnberg 1968/69 (72), FC St. Pauli 2001/02 (71) and Tasmania 1900 Berlin 1965/66 (68), the worst team in Bundesliga history. Stumble against them and you have made the biggest mistake of a perfect season — and against Tasmania, the shame card is waiting.