Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Klassiker set amid Champions League pressure

Bundesliga giants clash as both sides face uncertain futures in European competition.

Harry Kane of Bayern warms up with his teammates before the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match at Fussball Arena München on April 8, 2025, in Munich, Germany. Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Klassiker this Saturday arrives at a tense and defining moment for both clubs. While Der Klassiker has long been the crown jewel of German football rivalries, this latest edition carries added weight as both sides teeter on the brink of Champions League elimination.

For Bayern Munich, the pressure has been mounting after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. With the second leg looming, they must win by at least two goals to progress in regular time or aim for a narrow win and hope for success in a penalty shootout. It’s a tall order, especially with Vincent Kompany’s side hampered by injuries and inconsistent form.

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Klassiker is always an emotionally charged affair, but this time, the stakes extend beyond national pride. The result on Saturday could either give the Bavarians a much-needed morale boost ahead of their return trip to Milan or send them deeper into a spiral of doubt and disappointment.

The recent loss to Inter was a tough blow. Injuries to key players have left the squad stretched thin, and the defensive lapses that plagued them in the match were uncharacteristic of a team with such pedigree. Yet there remains a silver lining—Bayern has historically fared well at the San Siro, boasting three wins and a draw in their past five visits. It’s also worth noting that the venue holds a special place in club lore as the site of their 2001 Champions League triumph over Valencia.

But before they can think about Milan, Bayern must turn their attention to domestic business, and the Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Klassiker is not just any fixture. It’s a rivalry born out of modern dominance, especially since Borussia Dortmund rose to prominence under Jürgen Klopp in the early 2010s. Even though Bayern has enjoyed the upper hand in recent years, Dortmund always enters this contest with the belief that they can disrupt their rivals’ momentum.

However, things look even bleaker on the Dortmund side of the Champions League equation. The team was dismantled 4-0 by Barcelona at the Camp Nou in their first-leg tie, a result that has left their hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads. The possibility of staging one of the greatest comebacks in tournament history is mathematically alive, but realistically, it would require a miracle.

Niko Kovac’s men not only need to score at least four goals without reply to force extra time but also must overcome the mental scars of their Barcelona drubbing. The task is monumental, and many see the Klassiker as a chance for Dortmund to regroup, if not reignite a sense of pride that was dashed on Spanish soil.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Klassiker is the league context. The Bundesliga title race this season has been unusually unpredictable, with neither Bayern nor Dortmund pulling away from the chasing pack. Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have both shown flashes of brilliance, while Eintracht Frankfurt and Stuttgart have thrown in surprise results. In such an unpredictable environment, Der Klassiker could well tilt the balance of power.

A win for Bayern would consolidate their grip on the top spot and inject fresh belief into their European campaign. A Dortmund victory, on the other hand, could reshape the league landscape and provide a platform for redemption after the disaster in Barcelona.

Tactically, the game promises to be a fascinating battle. Kompany, still finding his feet in Munich, has tried to instill a more possession-heavy style. But the lack of cohesion and defensive solidity has been exposed by elite opponents. Whether he chooses to stick with this approach or revert to a more pragmatic setup against Dortmund remains to be seen.

Dortmund, under Kovac, have prioritized physicality and quick transitions, often leaning on the flair and creativity of Julian Brandt and the work rate of Emre Can in midfield. However, their high defensive line was ruthlessly exploited by Barcelona, raising questions about whether they can adjust in time for this high-stakes clash.

In terms of individual matchups, all eyes will be on Bayern’s attacking duo of Harry Kane and Leroy Sané, both of whom have shown glimpses of brilliance this season but struggled for consistency. Kane, in particular, has been under scrutiny for not delivering in the biggest games. A standout performance in the Klassiker would go a long way toward silencing his critics.

For Dortmund, the spotlight falls on Niclas Füllkrug and Giovanni Reyna. Reyna’s technical skill and vision could unlock Bayern’s defense, especially if they’re forced to push forward aggressively. But the key will be whether Dortmund’s backline can handle the relentless pressure that Bayern typically brings at home.

Historically, the Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Klassiker has delivered iconic moments, dramatic goals, and season-defining results. Saturday’s edition promises no less drama, especially with both teams nursing wounds from midweek disappointments.

Fans around the world will tune in not just for the spectacle but for the subplots that make this rivalry so compelling: the managerial tensions, the tactical chess match, the individual duels, and the broader implications for both domestic and European aspirations.

Regardless of who comes out on top, one thing is certain—this Klassiker will have ripple effects that go far beyond the Allianz Arena. It’s more than just a game; it’s a barometer for the mental and tactical resilience of two of Europe’s most storied clubs.

As kick-off approaches, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the saga of Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Klassiker. Will Bayern rebound and reassert their dominance, or will Dortmund rise from the ashes of their European defeat and spoil the party in Munich?

Only 90 minutes will tell. But for now, the anticipation is as intense as ever.