Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich promises fireworks in Bundesliga’s biggest clash

This Saturday, German soccer will pause for another chapter of the biggest rivalry in the Bundesliga. Borussia Dortmund welcomes Bayern Munich to Signal Iduna Park, one of the most iconic stages in world soccer, in a clash destined for fireworks. At various moments in time, they have both boasted rich histories, which ensures this matchup carries the tradition and intensity that make Der Klassiker an unmissable event.

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Bayern Munich are absolute leaders, but with important absentees

Bayern Munich are absolute leaders but with important absentees. Bayern Munich comes into this Klassiker in outstanding form, leading the Bundesliga with 29 points. In 11 matches, they have secured 9 wins and 2 draws-a performance that cements their position as title favorites. Their recent 1-0 victory over PSG in the Champions League only adds to the confidence of Vincent Kompany's team.

However, not everything is smooth sailing in Bavaria. Injuries may complicate Bayern’s plans for Der Klassiker. Pavlović’s return to training after shoulder surgery is a relief, but his presence on the field remains unlikely. João Palhinha, the natural replacement, is sidelined until the new year. As a result, Goretzka and Kimmich are expected to take charge in the defensive midfield, as they did in the 3-0 win against Augsburg.

Kompany already recognized Dortmund's strength in some sort of pre-match interview, saying, "They press high and are dangerous on counterattacks. We are preparing for the best version of their team." Even with a difference of 10 points in the standings, the coach also knows Klassiker games are a stage where anything can happen.

Borussia Dortmund looking for continuity and resilience

While Bayern is dominating the league, Borussia Dortmund is having a far more complicated season. Now, the team is in 5th place with 19 points after 11 matches, performing very inconsistently this season. However, certain bright spots are starting to emerge. Their 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League gave them good vibes and hope for the fans.

Head coach Nuri Şahin, a former player of Dortmund, has faced a rocky start in his tenure. Still, he sees opportunities in the upcoming Klassiker. "They defend high, which creates space. We want to exploit that. We feel prepared to win," he said during a press conference. Şahin is well aware that beating Bayern will require a combination of intensity, tactical intelligence, and precision.

The Signal Iduna Park factor

Playing at home, Borussia Dortmund will count on the passionate support of their fans. Signal Iduna Park is renowned for its unique atmosphere, with the famous Yellow Wall intimidating opponents and energizing the players. However, recent history is not on Dortmund's side: Bayern has not lost at Signal Iduna Park since November 2018, with four wins and one draw in that span.

On a brighter note, the injury crisis that plagued Dortmund earlier in the season is easing. Players like Waldemar Anton, Gregor Kobel, and Jamie Gittens have recovered and returned to the lineup. It is expected that key names such as Niklas Süle and Karim Adeyemi will also be fit for the Klassiker.

History of Der Klassiker

This will be the 111th meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga era. The historical record leans heavily in Bayern's favor, with 54 wins compared to Dortmund's 26. Bayern has scored 223 goals to Dortmund's 135, while 30 matches ended in a draw. These numbers underscore Bayern's dominance in German soccer.

Despite this, Der Klassiker rarely disappoints when it comes to excitement. In the last 16 matches between the two, there have been 67 goals, at an average of a very impressive 4.19 goals per game. Since their scoreless draw in 2016, the teams have delivered thrilling, action-packed contests.