Der Klassiker Preview: Bayern and Dortmund

The Bundesliga weekend features the traditionally high-profile “Der Klassiker” between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, but the fixture arrives under unusual circumstances, with both German giants preoccupied by challenging Champions League quarter-final situations.

Both teams suffered significant first-leg defeats midweek. Bayern lost 2-1 home to Inter Milan, while Dortmund were heavily beaten 4-0 at Barcelona. With crucial second legs looming next Tuesday (Dortmund vs Barcelona) and Wednesday (Bayern at Inter), Saturday’s domestic clash takes on a different complexion than usual.

Bayern, hosting the match, hold a six-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga (68 points to 62) with seven games remaining. While maintaining their league advantage is important, overturning the deficit against Inter to keep alive hopes of reaching the Champions League final – which will be held in their home city of Munich in May – is arguably the immediate priority.

Dortmund, meanwhile, endured a chastening experience in Barcelona. Coach Niko Kovač acknowledged the need for vast improvement defensively ahead of both the Klassiker and the return leg against the Spanish giants. “We have to defend more and better than today. Because we’ll also have problems in Munich without a defense,” Kovač said after the 4-0 loss. Dortmund sit eighth in the Bundesliga (41 points) after a difficult season, battling for European qualification rather than the title, making points vital but facing a near-impossible task in the Champions League.

While Der Klassiker often decides the title, this year Bayer Leverkusen are Bayern’s main challengers. A Dortmund win in Munich, however unlikely, would aid Leverkusen’s dwindling hopes of catching the leaders.

Other Key Bundesliga Matchups

• Bayer Leverkusen vs. Union Berlin: Leverkusen host an in-form Union (unbeaten in four, won last two) earlier on Saturday, aiming to apply pressure on Bayern before the Klassiker kicks off.
• Wolfsburg vs. RB Leipzig (Friday): Leipzig look to gain ground in the tight race for the top four against Wolfsburg.
• Relegation Battles: Holstein Kiel (bottom, 18 points) host St. Pauli, while Bochum (20 points) face Augsburg. Heidenheim (22 points) travel to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.
• European Race: Stuttgart, featuring the in-form Ermedin Demirović (hat-trick last week, 13 goals total), host Werder Bremen in a key clash for potential European spots.

Players to Watch

• Harry Kane (Bayern): Missed a key chance against Inter and will be eager to add to his 23 league goals as preparation for the crucial second leg in Milan.
• Ermedin Demirović (Stuttgart): Looks to continue his goalscoring form against Bremen as Stuttgart push for Europe.

While pride and Bundesliga points are always at stake in Der Klassiker, the immediate focus for both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund may well lie on their respective European recovery missions next week.