The rivalry between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund reached its peak in 2013 when the two sides met at Wembley for the Champions League final. In what was a close and exciting battle, a last-minute Arjen Robben goal sealed the victory for the Bavarians.
In the years following that Champions League night, this much-anticipated fixture has been dominated by the record champions. There were numerous games in which Bayern managed to score more than three goals and sweep away the opposition. However, in recent years, the gap has narrowed. In the last three meetings between the two sides, Dortmund has won one game, and the other two have ended in draws.
In addition to the head-to-head games, the trajectory in which Borussia Dortmund has been since Niko Kovac took over is another indication of how the team is progressing. Last season, Kovac helped the side to qualify for the Champions League from a mid-table position.
This season, Borussia Dortmund sit second in the table after six games, having collected 14 points. The side is unbeaten in both the league and in Europe. Despite Bayern having a perfect record, Borussia Dortmund’s recent form and the fact that key players are in top shape give them a fighting chance against Vincent Kompany’s side.
Trips to the Allianz Arena used to be viewed with dread in the past years, but now this is something that can offer Dortmund an opportunity to excel. The fact that Karim Adeyemi is playing his best football under Kovac and the return of Nico Schlotterbeck to full fitness give the side an immense opportunity to thrive.
Despite the many positives for Dortmund, Bayern are still the favorites with Opta predicting that Bayern Munich are expected to continue their perfect start to the Bundesliga season. With both sides being on the longest unbeaten streaks in Europe’s top five leagues ( Bayern on 15 and Dortmund on 14), something has got to give on Saturday night.