A mere four points separates the top four teams in the German top-flight with Werder Bremen leading the way on 39 points while Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart are all hovering below on 35 points.

A four-horse race for the 2004 crown is a refreshing change for a German footballing public used to watching Bayern canter to yet another domestic title.

The reigning champions have looked a shadow of themselves this season but manager Ottmar Hitzfeld is still confident they can prove the critics wrong and finish top of the pile come May.

"We will attack right from the start and I am convinced that we will prevail at the end," declared Hitzfeld.

Fears that a lucrative Champions League clash with Real Madrid on February 24 could distract his team were allayed by the wily coach.

"Our target is to retain the German title," emphasised Hitzfeld. "The Real game is still some way away."