Dortmund vs. Bayern: What's important in the classic
Harry Kane and Niclas Füllkrug, Edin Terzic and Thomas Tuchel, the top duels between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern: this week, the German Football League advertised its top game extensively with its online reports - which probably wouldn't have been necessary.
Bayern are weakened in terms of personnel and morale following their cup exit, while BVB seem to be slowly regaining the form of their strong second half of the season. There's a lot at stake in this evening's classic (18:30/Sky).
What's at stake?
It's only the tenth matchday, so nothing has been decided yet. Bayern travel to Dortmund second in the table behind Bayer Leverkusen, while BVB are fourth. And yet: only a win will help Bayern's mood and self-image for the coming weeks.
In recent weeks, there have been repeated reports of minor and major squabbles between Tuchel and the club's bigwigs around Uli Hoeneß. Dortmund must (once again) prove to their own fans that they are not always close to the record champions. "Of course, everyone is welcome to join us in annoying Bayern," said Terzic.
How tense is the situation at Bayern?
Bayern's personnel situation is critical in Dortmund of all places. Joshua Kimmich is suspended in midfield and Matthijs de Ligt is out in defense with a new knee injury. Tuchel could bring on Leon Goretzka and Dayot Upamecano, but both are coming off injuries. Goretzka would have to make an appearance with a splint following a metacarpal fracture. After all, star striker Harry Kane will make his first appearance in a German classic on Saturday evening. BVB coach Terzic can call on practically all of his top players, with only Emre Can out of action recently.
What do the statistics say?
In the previous second half of the season, Bayern sent Dortmund home with a defeat (4:2) after a turbulent few days following the replacement of Julian Nagelsmann as Bayern coach. As so often in recent years: BVB have failed to win any of their last ten competitive match duels with Bayern. In 108 Bundesliga duels to date, FC Bayern have won 53 times and BVB 25 times. Of the 352 goals scored, 219 were scored by Bayern and 133 by Dortmund.
What do the protagonists say?
"It's a big game in Germany. And after the cup, it's a big game for us to show a reaction," said Tuchel.
"I don't want to talk about winning titles every day, I want to show it. I want everyone to feel in the games that we are ready to play for titles," said Terzic.
"It will be a completely different game against Dortmund," said Thomas Müller.
"We definitely won't underestimate them and will try to hold our own," said Nico Schlotterbeck.
The upcoming match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga is highly anticipated, with both teams seeking a victory. Bayern has been struggling with personnel and morale issues following their cup exit, while Dortmund is showing signs of improvement after their strong second half of the season.
In this crucial encounter, Bayern needs a win to boost their morale and self-image, especially with key players like Joshua Kimmich and Matthijs de Ligt out due to suspension and injury, respectively. On the other hand, Dortmund must once again prove their mettle against the record champions, with coach Niclas Füllkrug urging fans to "annoy Bayern" as they did in the past.
Source: www.dpa.com
