German Classic in the Shadow of Squad Problems: Bayern Without Neuer in Match Against Borussia

The upcoming clash between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, referred to as the German classic, is the centerpiece of the football weekend in Europe. Although the sporting gap between the two teams has widened in recent years, this confrontation consistently electrifies fans and media. The Bavarians' squad situation ahead of this prestigious match has become complicated at the last minute. The team led by Vincent Kompany will have to cope without legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who did not travel with the team to Dortmund due to injury. This is a significant weakening, considering the goalkeeper's experience in high-stakes matches. An additional blow for Bayern's defense is the recurrence of Hiroki Ito's injury, which limits the coaching staff's options in the defensive formation. For Borussia Dortmund, Saturday's match has an almost existential dimension in the context of the fight for European cups. After a recent painful failure in European competitions, where the team lost to Atalanta Bergamo, pressure on the coach and players has increased significantly. The German press, including the magazine "Zeit," does not spare criticism of BVB, calling their current form "embarrassing for the Bundesliga." Experts, including legendary Lothar Matthäus, appeal to Dortmund players for courage and to set their own accents on the pitch, arguing that only aggressive and uncompromising play can neutralize Bayern's technical advantages. The hosts primarily rely on the home advantage and the unique atmosphere of the "Yellow Wall," which has carried the team through difficult times on numerous occasions. The rivalry between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, known as Der Klassiker, has defined the hierarchy in German football for decades, reaching its peak in 2013 during the only German Champions League final in history at Wembley.In the background of the league battles, the Champions League round of 16 draw took place, which unfortunately linked the fates of both clubs in a narrative way. Bayern Munich will face Atalanta Bergamo, the team that eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the previous round. The Italian club, through its director Umberto Marino, expressed pride in representing Italy against such a decorated rival as Bayern. Meanwhile, in other European pairings, German clubs drew tough opponents: Bayer Leverkusen will face Arsenal London, and VfB Stuttgart will host FC Porto. Nevertheless, this Saturday's league clash determines the mood among our western neighbors. Bayern is playing for the so-called "small title" of dominance in the table, while Borussia is fighting to regain dignity and return to the top, which given the visitors' current squad shortages seems like an opportunity they cannot waste. „Der BVB muss Akzente setzen und mutig sein.” (BVB must set accents and be courageous.) — Lothar Matthäus Analysts emphasize that despite Neuer's absence, Bayern remains the favorite due to the "killer instinct" of their forwards. Borussia must therefore play a tactically perfect match to restore the impression of solidity that has faded recently at Signal Iduna Park. This meeting will show whether the hosts' crisis is deep or was merely a temporary stumble before the most important battle of the domestic season.