Bayern Munich Bastian Schweinsteiger has urged his team to take all three points in a "crucial" away game in Leverkusen, who could see the Bavarians revive its attempt to defend the title in the Bundesliga.
Second Saturday with Bayern Leverkusen, Bayern host sixth in the standings, but still 12 points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.
With five games in the Bundesliga to four-week winter, break, Schweinsteiger is aware that time is running out and he says he wants to have a maximum of 15 points in recent games.
"We want the three points to close the gap," said 26-year-old, who played in the goalless draw in Germany with Sweden in Gothenburg on Wednesday.
"It depends on us how the championship ends. Bayern next four league games after the face Leverkusen Eintracht Frankfurt, Schalke 04, VfB Stuttgart and St. Pauli-games are in the paper can win, but Schweinsteiger is hoping that rivals also lose points by road.
