This Saturday, prepare for one of the most exhilarating fixtures in European football – Der Klassiker.
The clash between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund represents the pinnacle of the Bundesliga, similar in significance to the Manchester derby, Derby della Madonnina, El Derbi Madrileno, or El Clasico, as football fans worldwide come to a standstill for this 90-minute showdown.
This will mark the 137th encounter between these two legendary German clubs since the inception of the Bundesliga, making it the most frequently contested game in German professional football.
Surprisingly, the Bavarians have faced more defeats against Dortmund than any other team, with a total of 33 losses, the most recent occurring 2-0 back in March 2024.
Additionally, Bayern are currently experiencing a winless streak against Dortmund over the last two encounters for the first time since 2017 (D1, L1).
Bayern Munich enter Der Klassiker with confidence
Nonetheless, Bayern Munich head into this weekend’s clash brimming with confidence.
They are leading the league table, six points clear of Bayer Leverkusen, while Niko Kovac’s Dortmund find themselves languishing in eighth place and outside the European qualification spots.
Dortmund’s recent 4-0 defeat to Barcelona may have left a sting, but it could catalyse a stronger performance in Der Klassiker.
Kovac’s players should be highly motivated, particularly with the Champions League tie done and dusted, allowing them to focus all their energy on this crucial league match.
It would be illogical for Dortmund to consider ‘resting’ players for the return game against Barcelona, as historically only one team, Barcelona themselves, has managed to overturn a four-goal deficit in a European competition (6-1 against PSG in 2017).
With only five Bundesliga matches remaining after Saturday and three of them at home, every point is vital for Dortmund.
The visitors can take heart from their unbeaten record in the last four Bundesliga outings against the current league leaders (W1, D3), which is the longest such streak among all top-tier teams, and Dortmund’s best run since a five-game stretch from 2009 to 2013.
In their last six Bundesliga games, Dortmund have accumulated 12 points (W4, D2).
Following a 3-1 triumph over Mainz and a 4-1 win against Freiburg, Dortmund have managed to score at least three goals in two consecutive Bundesliga matches for the first time this season.
Since Kovac’s appointment in early February, no other Bundesliga outfit has taken as many shots (147) or produced a higher expected goals (xG) tally (20.8).
This presents a prime opportunity for the 53-year-old Kovac, who is the only individual to have won the double both as a Bayern player and coach, to finally secure a victory against his former team. Bayern is the only side he has yet to defeat as a manager in the Bundesliga (D1, L7).
Serhou Guirassy remains essential to Dortmund’s ambitions
Despite a lacklustre performance against Barcelona, Guirassy holds the title of the top goalscorer in the Bundesliga for the second half of the season, with eight goals to his name.
The Guinean forward has already surpassed his first half tally of seven goals in just 10 matches this season.
Right behind him is Bayern’s Harry Kane with seven goals; Kane has made direct contributions to two goals in three matches during the second half of the season, which is a league high, alongside Maximilian Beier, who has also been involved in two goals for Dortmund in a single match (two goals, two assists).
However, it’s not just Harry Kane that Dortmund need to keep a close watch on.
Michael Olise leads the Bundesliga with 10 assists this season; since advanced analytics began in 2004/05, only James Rodriguez has set up more top-flight goals in their debut campaign for Bayern (11 in 2017/18).
Bayern Munich is clearly in exceptional form, having secured 13 points from their last five matches (W4, D1), with 68 points from 28 games representing their best Bundesliga season in seven years (69 points in 2017/18).
Historically, all seven Bayern teams that have accrued at least 68 points from their first 28 matches have gone on to secure the title.
Dortmund’s mindset will be crucial for a favourable outcome at Allianz Arena
Given these circumstances, Dortmund face a daunting task in this edition of Der Klassiker; however, a positive result is definitely within their grasp.
Die Schwarzgelben are currently unbeaten in their last two matches against Bayern and have not lost three of their last five encounters with them.
To secure a positive outcome, they must showcase strong passing abilities and maintain possession, although the absence of Nico Schlotterbeck for the next six months is a severe setback.
However, Niklas Sule (93.5% pass accuracy), Almugera Kabar (91.6%), Waldemar Anton (91.4%), Julian Ryerson (90.1%), and captain Emre Can (90.8%) can ensure things continue to flow in that area.
It’s crucial for Dortmund to seize their chances when they arise – and they will – especially considering Bayern’s defence has only kept four clean sheets over their last 12 outings across all competitions, with three of those against Bayer Leverkusen.
The most pressing issue for Dortmund on the day may actually be their mentality. They must not allow themselves to be crushed by the magnitude of the occasion, as seen in previous high-stakes matches where they faltered.
If they can take the fight to their opponents, much like Union Berlin, Bochum, and Feyenoord successfully did recently, Bayern is certainly capable of being tested or even defeated.
Even bottom-placed Holsten Kiel managed to score three goals at the Allianz Arena this season…
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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