The German Bundesliga is preparing for the most important clash of the season, known as Der Klassiker. Borussia Dortmund hosts Bayern Munich in an atmosphere of extreme moods. The hosts are fighting to salvage their honor after a series of painful defeats, grappling with numerous squad problems. Meanwhile, a Bayern weakened by the absence of their captain aims to cement their dominance at the top of the table, which experts call the fight for the "minor" championship title.

Manuel Neuer's Absence

Bayern's captain will not play in the marquee match of the round due to injury, forcing a change in goal for the league leaders.

Crisis in Dortmund

BVB is struggling with eight key sporting problems following a heavy defeat to Atalanta.

Another Ito Injury

Bayern defender Hiroki Ito suffered another injury, limiting the defensive options for the visiting coach.

Call for Courage

Lothar Matthäus calls on Borussia players to play aggressively to break the Bavarians' dominance.

The rivalry between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, which has electrified fans worldwide for years, is this time taking place under conditions of a clear disparity in form between the two teams. Borussia Dortmund approaches the match plagued by eight structural problems identified by the media, which were exacerbated by a recent humiliation against Italy's Atalanta Bergamo. For the Westphalian team, Sunday's match is not just a fight for points, but above all an attempt to regain credibility in the eyes of fans and avoid another "football lesson." The sports press harshly assesses BVB's performance, calling the club's current form "embarrassing for the entire Bundesliga." The squad situation in the Bavarian camp is also not ideal, giving the hosts a glimmer of hope. The most important news of recent hours is the confirmed absence of Manuel Neuer, who did not travel with the team to Dortmund due to health problems. Additionally, the visitors' lineup was weakened by another injury to Hiroki Ito. Despite these absences, Bayern remains the bookmakers' favorite, possessing - as German journalists describe it - a killer instinct that allows them to win matches even on an off day. A win in Dortmund is treated in Munich as a prestigious trophy, symbolically concluding the fight for supremacy in the country. The rivalry between Borussia and Bayern has its roots in the 1960s, but it is since the mid-1990s that these two clubs have dominated the fight for the German championship, creating the most recognizable match-up brand in the Bundesliga.Legendary footballer Lothar Matthäus in his pre-match analyses calls on Borussia to be courageous and play aggressive pressing, claiming that only a daring offensive can neutralize Bayern's technical advantages. Meanwhile, in Dortmund, the narrative of the rival as the "Non plus ultra in Europe" dominates, which is meant to take pressure off the shoulders of the BVB players. This match is seen as the ultimate test for the current sporting project in Dortmund, and its result could decide the future of the coaching staff. „BVB muss Akzente setzen und mutig sein.” (BVB must set the tone and be brave.) — Lothar Matthäus „Bayern ist das Nonplusultra in Europa.” (Bayern is the non plus ultra in Europe.) — BVB representatives

Mentioned People

  • Manuel Neuer — Bayern Munich goalkeeper, absent from the match due to injury.
  • Lothar Matthäus — Former footballer, TV expert advising Borussia to play bravely.
  • Hiroki Ito — Bayern defender who suffered another injury before the match.