The Bundesliga’s most iconic rivalry resumes as Bayern Munich travel to Signal Iduna Park to face Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 12. With both teams bringing impressive form and firepower, the stage is set for another high-stakes Klassiker. Bayern seek to extend their unbeaten league run, while Dortmund aim to defend their flawless home record and secure a statement victory.
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Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: Match Preview
Borussia Dortmund boast a perfect home record this season, winning all their matches across competitions at the iconic Signal Iduna Park. Fueled by the unwavering support of over 81,000 fans, Dortmund have scored 26 goals while conceding just seven in their opening eight home matches.
League leaders Bayern present the toughest challenge yet to Dortmund’s immaculate form, but the Black and Yellows have history and momentum on their side, as they aim for their first home Klassiker win in over six years.
Bayern Munich arrive in imperious form, having netted an astounding 36 goals in 11 league matches. Their talisman Harry Kane has been a standout performer, scoring 14 goals, including five away from home. Kane’s history against Dortmund adds intrigue, as he has scored seven goals in six games against them, including a memorable hat-trick at Signal Iduna Park last season.
Supported by Bayern’s relentless attacking quality, Kane’s prolific form makes him a crucial factor in this encounter.
Bayern’s early dominance is not solely due to their attacking prowess; they also boast the league’s best defense, conceding just seven goals in 11 matches. The backline, anchored by Dayot Upamecano, Minjae Kim, Alphonso Davies, and Raphaël Guerreiro, has delivered consistent performances.
Their high defensive line and exceptional recovery pace have contributed to 11 clean sheets in 18 games, including seven consecutive shutouts. Even when breached, the ever-reliable Manuel Neuer has proven nearly impenetrable.
Borussia Dortmund have battled injuries throughout the season, forcing them into creative solutions. However, the recent international break provided some respite, with key players like Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini returning to the fold. Speedster Karim Adeyemi, who dazzled with five goal involvements in five Bundesliga games before his injury, may also feature.
Striker Serhou Guirassy has stepped up in Adeyemi’s absence, scoring crucial goals, including decisive headers in key victories. His confidence and knack for big moments make him another player to watch.
Bayern Munich’s dominance in this fixture has been evident, winning eight of the last 10 meetings. However, Dortmund’s 2-0 victory in Munich earlier this year broke their rivals’ stranglehold. That win, marked by early counter-attacking brilliance and resolute defending, serves as a blueprint for BVB.
The battle between Dortmund’s dynamic attack, led by Guirassy and potentially Adeyemi, and Bayern’s disciplined defense will be central to deciding the outcome.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: Head-to-head
Bundesliga
- Matches: 135
- Dortmund: 33
- Draws: 35
- Bayern Munich: 67
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: Team News
Borussia Dortmund – Team News
Borussia Dortmund will be missing captain Emre Can, who is serving the second game of a two-match suspension. Additionally, Karim Adeyemi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Julian Brandt is doubtful after being forced off at halftime against Dinamo Zagreb due to a muscle issue. On a positive note, Niklas Süle has recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out for over a month and may be available for selection.
Regarding potential lineup adjustments, striker Serhou Guirassy, with 49 career Bundesliga goals, is vying for a starting role, possibly replacing Maximilian Beier. Meanwhile, Julian Ryerson is expected to reclaim the right-back position, enabling Pascal Groß to return to his usual midfield role.
Borussia Dortmund – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Kobel (c)
- Defenders – Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini
- Midfielders – Nmecha, Groß, Sabitzer
- Forwards – Beier, Gittens, Guirassy
Injured/Doubtful – Adeyemi (hamstring), Can (suspended), Brandt (muscular)
Bayern Munich – Team News
Bayern Munich will be without João Palhinha (groin), Hiroki Ito (broken foot), Josip Stanišić (knee), and Sven Ulreich (personal reasons).
Aleksandar Pavlović has returned to training following a shoulder surgery but is unlikely to feature this weekend. As a result, Leon Goretzka is expected to partner Joshua Kimmich in midfield.
The right-back position remains flexible, with either Konrad Laimer or Raphaël Guerreiro likely to fill the role. In the attack, Michael Olise could step in for Leroy Sané on the right wing, joining Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, and Harry Kane up front. Kane, who became the fastest player in Bundesliga history to net 50 goals last weekend, will be eager to extend his remarkable tally.
Bayern Munich – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Neuer (c)
- Defenders – Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies
- Midfielders – Kimmich, Goretzka, Musiala
- Forwards – Olise, Coman, Kane
Injured/Doubtful – Ito (foot), Palhinha (adductor), Pavlović (collarbone), Stanišić (knee), Ulreich (personal reasons)
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: Match Prediction
This is the most-played fixture in Bundesliga history, with the two teams meeting 135 times before this encounter. Bayern Munich have dominated the rivalry, claiming victory in 67 matches, compared to Borussia Dortmund’s 33 wins.
Dortmund have been flawless at Signal Iduna Park this season, securing six consecutive home wins. However, Bayern have been equally formidable on the road. While Dortmund’s stellar home form is noteworthy, Bayern’s exceptional away record suggests they could hand the hosts their first home loss of the campaign. For Saturday’s highly anticipated clash, our prediction is a 3-1 victory for Bayern Munich, with the league leaders likely to extend their dominance at the top of the table.
Prediction – Borussia Dortmund 1-3 Bayern Munich
When and Where to Watch the Der Klassiker Match? Broadcast Channel and Streaming Details
Bayern Munich will face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, November 30, with the match set to kick off at 11:00 PM IST. Sony Sports Network holds the broadcasting rights for the 2024-25 Bundesliga season in India. The game will be aired live on the Sony Ten TV channels. Fans can also watch the match via live stream on the Sony Liv app and website in India.
Read More: The World’s Oldest Football Rivalry, “Rules Derby” Returns: A Historic Clash Restored
FAQs
How has Bayern Munich performed in the Bundesliga 2024-25 season so far?
Bayern remain unbeaten in their first 11 matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding only seven, showcasing dominance both offensively and defensively.
What is Borussia Dortmund’s home record this season?
Dortmund have a perfect home record, winning all six matches at Signal Iduna Park while scoring 26 goals and conceding just seven.
Who are the key players to watch in Der Klassiker?
Harry Kane, with 14 goals in 11 games, leads Bayern’s attack, while Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, with a knack for crucial strikes, will be vital for the hosts.
What is the historical record between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund?
In 135 Bundesliga meetings, Bayern have won 67 matches, while Dortmund have secured victory 33 times.