Harry Kane and Niclas Füllkrug, Edin Terzic and Thomas Tuchel, the top duels between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern: The German Football League advertised their top game extensively with its online reports this week – it probably wouldn’t have been necessary.
After the cup exit, Bayern are weakened in terms of personnel and morale, and BVB slowly seems to be back in the form of the strong second half of the season. There’s a lot in the classic in the evening (6.30 p.m./Sky).
What is at stake?
It’s only the tenth matchday and nothing has been decided yet. Bayern traveled to Dortmund second in the table behind Bayer Leverkusen, while BVB is fourth. And yet: Only a win will help Bayern’s mood and self-image in the coming weeks.
In the past few weeks there have been repeated reports of minor and major quarrels between Tuchel and the club grandees around Uli Hoeneß. Dortmund has to prove (once again) in front of their own fans that they don’t always seem to be close to the record champions. “Everyone is of course 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, Matthijs de Ligt is out in defense with another knee injury. Tuchel could bring in Leon Goretzka and Dayot Upamecano, both of whom are coming off injuries. Goretzka would have to risk a mission with a splint after a broken metacarpal. After all: star striker Harry Kane experiences his first German classic on Saturday evening. BVB coach Terzic can rely on practically all of his top players, only Emre Can was recently injured.
What do the statistics say?
In the last second half of the season, after turbulent days with the replacement of Julian Nagelsmann as Bayern coach, Bayern sent Dortmund home with a defeat (4:2). As so often in recent years: BVB was unable to win any of the last ten competitive duels with Bayern. In 108 Bundesliga duels so far, FC Bayern have won 53 times and BVB 25 times. Of the 352 goals, 219 were scored by Bayern, 133 were for Dortmund.
That’s what the protagonists say?
“It’s a big game in Germany. And it’s a big game for us after the cup to show a reaction,” said Tuchel.
“I don’t want to talk every day about the fact that we want to win titles, but I want to show it. In the games, everyone should have the feeling that we are ready to play for titles,” said Terzic.
“It will be a completely different game against Dortmund,” said Thomas Müller.
“We definitely don’t underestimate them and will try to counter them,” said Nico Schlotterbeck.
