The Allianz Arena was the scene of yet another captivating edition of Der Klassiker, as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund battled to a pulsating 2-2 draw. Despite the two sides chasing different ambitions this season, the clash lived up to its storied reputation, providing a thrilling spectacle with all four goals coming in a breathless second half.
Heading into the 112th Bundesliga Klassiker, Bayern looked to widen their lead at the top of the table, especially after Leverkusen’s earlier draw. Dortmund, on the other hand, were fighting to remain in the race for a Champions League spot. Though the stakes were contrasting, the intensity was unmistakable.
The first half was a tactical affair. Bayern dominated possession with 62%, pressing high and creating numerous opportunities. Gregor Kobel was outstanding in Dortmund’s goal, making vital saves to deny Harry Kane twice and stopping a point-blank shot from Michael Olise. Despite the pressure, Dortmund defended resolutely, looking to pounce on the counter. Julian Brandt came close for the visitors, firing into the side netting, but the half ended goalless.
The game exploded into life just minutes after the restart. Maximilian Beier, capitalizing on a counter-attack he helped initiate, ghosted in at the far post to head Julian Ryerson’s cross through Jonas Urbig’s legs. It was Dortmund's first shot on target and a perfect example of clinical finishing.
Bayern responded swiftly. Vincent Kompany’s triple substitution introducing Serge Gnabry, Raphael Guerreiro, and Aleksandar Pavlović turned the tide. Guerreiro, against his former club, equalized in the 65th minute with a composed finish following a slick move involving Müller and Gnabry. Moments later, Gnabry completed a stunning individual run and slotted home Bayern’s second to make it 2-1.
But the joy was short-lived. Dortmund equalized just six minutes later, as Serhou Guirassy’s acrobatic effort forced a save from Urbig, but the rebound fell kindly for Waldemar Anton, who lashed it in to level the scores. Despite having only 11 shots to Bayern’s 26, Dortmund’s sharpness in front of goal saw them make the most of their chances.
The final minutes were frantic. Kane had multiple chances to seal the win but failed to convert, while Chukwuemeka went close at the other end. The full-time whistle confirmed a result that perhaps neither team wanted Bayern missed a chance to go eight points clear, while Dortmund remain sixth, six points off the top four.
Statistically, Bayern edged it with 2.47 expected goals to Dortmund’s 1.89 and had standout performances from Michael Olise (most pressed player, 35 times) and Thomas Müller, who made his 29th and final Bundesliga Klassiker appearance, matching Mats Hummels’ record and assisting the equalizer.
In a match filled with emotion, energy, and entertainment, both sides walked away with a point and fans walked away with another unforgettable memory from one of football’s greatest rivalries.
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