Hamburg - This week's European Champions league matches could be a further indication that German top clubs Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen are heading in opposite directions.

Bayern are unbeaten in the Champions League and require only a draw at home to Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday to qualify prematurely for the knockout stages.

They lie third in the Bundesliga within striking distance of surprise leaders Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen, whom the both play over the next fortnight.

Bremen, by contrast, face a Champions League exit on Wednesday when they visit Anothorsis Famagusta with no win in the first four games.

The match in Cyprus comes three days after a a 2-1 defeat at SV Hamburg left them languishing in ninth place in the league, 11 points behind Hoffenheim and eight adrift Leverkusen and Munich who occupy the other Champions League qualifying berths.

Bayern have been Germany's number one club for decades while Bremen have enjoyed occasional glory. The northern Germans appeared stable over the past years, winning a league and cup double in 2004 and finishing no worse then third in the next four seasons.

But this time around Bremen have won only five of 14 league matches and conceded 26 goals in the period. They are winless after four rounds in the Champions League coming off a 3-0 home drubbing against Greek side Panathinaikos.

Sunday's defeat in Hamburg highlighted Bremen's woes. Diego, Torsten Frings and company dominated almost the entire match but rarely threatened in the penalty area, with the goal coming from Diego's curling free-kick.

Coach Thomas Schaaf spoke of an improved performance which despite the defeat should give some confidence for the trip to Cyprus.

"It is important that we stand our ground there. But we must score goals," said Schaaf.

Sports director Klaus Allofs expressed his "confidence for the next games," with not too difficult opponents waiting in the league before the team could regroup during the winter break.

Munich, by contrast, always have the highest ambitions on the domestic and international stage, where they want to be a factor in the Champions League they last won in 2001.

The team has not been glorious under new coach Juergen Klinsmann, whose tactical changes appear to be a matter of the past as Munich resort to the traditional 4-4-2 formation.

With Franck Ribery, now in pink shoes, a revelation after his return from injury, Munich are unbeaten in seven league matches (of which they have won six) and in their four Champions League games.

They have the unofficial German autumn title within reach ahead of the matches in Leverkusen and against Hoffenheim, and a final
2008 date with Stuttgart before hibernation.

"Everyone knows that we are heading into the week of truth with the game against Bucharest, on Saturday against Leverkusen, and then against Hoffenheim. We are ready for these matches," vowed general manager Uli Hoeness.

Klinsmann heaped praise on Ribery after the latest 4-1 league win over bottom club Cottbus and said the team's rhythm was improving.

"We are slowly getting to where we want to be, and we want to become the autumn champion," said Klinsmann. (dpa)