High Stakes Bundesliga Klassiker: Dortmund vs Bayern on Saturday

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac believes Bayern Munich's recent 2-1 home defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-final could serve as a distraction for the Bavarians in their upcoming Bundesliga Klassiker clash. With Bayern focusing on overturning the deficit in the return leg in Milan, Kovac sees a potential opportunity for Dortmund to capitalize, provided his team delivers a top performance.

Dortmund, who were recently beaten 4-0 by Barcelona, effectively ending their own European campaign, aim to improve significantly to challenge Bayern. Currently, Bayern leads the Bundesliga with 68 points, six ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, while Dortmund sits eighth with 41 points, five behind the Champions League qualification spot.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany emphasized his team’s strong motivation ahead of Saturday's Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund, following a 2-1 home defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-final. Kompany, in his debut season as coach, believes the team can draw confidence for the return leg by responding positively in their Bundesliga clash.

Currently leading the league with 68 points, Bayern hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen with six games remaining. Kompany noted the historical significance of the Klassiker and the heightened intensity it brings. Despite the absence of several key players, including Jamal Musiala and Manuel Neuer, due to injury, Kompany remains confident in the squad’s belief and energy. Dortmund, on the other hand, are eighth in the table with 41 points and risk missing out on Champions League qualification after a 4-0 midweek defeat to Barcelona.

Kompany stressed that every match moment is crucial in this decisive phase of the season.

Borussia Dortmund faces a critical Bundesliga Klassiker match against league leaders Bayern Munich this Saturday, with their season hanging in the balance. Coming off a demoralizing 4-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, Dortmund is under pressure to deliver a strong performance amid concerns of missing out on European competition altogether.

Currently in eighth place with 41 points, Dortmund is five points behind the last Champions League qualifying spot with only six games remaining, and they are missing key defender Nico Schlotterbeck due to injury. Coach Niko Kovac emphasized the need for a stronger defensive display to avoid further setbacks in Munich.

Meanwhile, Bayern also have much at stake; after a 2-1 home defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League, they seek to regain momentum and solidify their six-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Coach Vincent Kompany, managing an injury-hit squad, may benefit from the return of midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic. Both teams have high stakes riding on the outcome—Dortmund to salvage their season and Bayern to maintain domestic dominance amidst European uncertainty.

The upcoming Bundesliga Klassiker is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 18:30 local time at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The match will be officiated by referee Tobias Welz. Bayern Munich has been dominant in recent encounters, with 69 victories compared to Dortmund's 35, and 32 draws in 136 matches.

As both teams grapple with recent disappointments and key injuries, the upcoming Klassiker is poised to be a pivotal encounter. Dortmund aims to exploit any potential distractions within Bayern's camp, while Bayern seeks to reaffirm their dominance in the Bundesliga.