Bundesliga
Dortmund Win Thrilling Der Klassiker
Borussia Dortmund moved seven points clear of Bayern Munich after they defeated the reigning Bundesliga champions in a thrilling encounter at Signal Iduna Park.
Bayern were by far the better side in the first half and deservedly took the lead from a header from Roman Lewandowski.
However, Dortmund improved dramatically after the break. A Marco Reus penalty put them on level terms.
Bayern restored their lead shortly afterwards thanks to a another header from Lewandowski.
But two goals in six minutes from Marco Reus and Paco Alcacer helped seal the victory for Dortmund.
It is a crucial win for Lucien Favre’s men, which underlines their title credentials.
For Bayern it piles the pressure on new boss Niko Kovac, as they find themselves further behind in the race for the Bundesliga title.
Dortmund started well and should have taken the lead after 10 minutes. Bayern defender Mats Hummels gave the ball away to Marco Reus, who was in on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The German midfielder’s shot was hit tamely though and was easily saved by Manuel Neuer in the Bayern goal.
Bayern gradually started to dominate possession and took the lead after 25 minutes.
Serge Gnabry played a fantastic ball into the penalty box, which found Roman Lewandowski. The Pole then thumped a header into the net.
Bayern had a great chance to make it two shortly afterwards. Franck Ribery picked up the ball inside the penalty box, he then unleashed a venomous shot which was well saved by Marwin Hitz in the Dortmund goal.
Dortmund were poor in the first half and were struggling to keep possession.
Dramatic Improvement From Dortmund
The Bundesliga league leaders improved dramatically in the second half and were level just two minutes after the interval.
A great through ball from Jadon Sancho found Marco Reus. The German international got to the ball just ahead of the advancing Manuel Neuer. The Bayern keeper then brought him down for a penalty.
Up stepped Reus who sent Neuer the wrong way to put Dortmund back on level terms.
However, it didn’t last long as Bayern restored their lead just five minutes later.
A cross by Thomas Muller was deflected into the path of Serge Gnabry, he then found Kimmich with a reverse pass. The German full-back then dinked the ball across the face of goal to Lewandowski who headed the ball into the net.
Dortmund then missed two great chances to level in the space of three minutes.
First a shot by Marco Reus from only six yards out was cleared off the line by Joshua Kimmich. Then a shot from substitute Paco Alcacer from only three yards out was brilliantly blocked by Bayern defender Jerome Boateng.
The Die Schwarzgelben weren’t to be denied though. On 66 minutes they were level once again.
A cross into the box found Marco Reus who brilliantly volleyed the ball first time into the net.
Six minutes later Dortmund were in front. A superb through pass from Axel Witsel set Paco Alcacer one on one with the goalkeeper.
The Spaniard then brilliantly dinked the ball over Neuer to give Dortmund the lead.
Bayern thought they had equalized in stoppage time but Roman Lewandowski’s flicked shot from close range was disallowed correctly for offside.
Dortmund held on for a famous win, in a classic Der Klassiker.
Is This Dortmund’s Year To Win The Bundesliga
Dortmund have had a great start to the season under new boss Lucien Favre. However, this was always going to the biggest test of their title credentials.
In the first half it looked like the occasion got to this young Dortmund side. They gave the ball away too often, in particular Julian Weigl in midfield who looked off the pace.
However, they vastly improved after the break and showed the fast paced, attacking football which has brought them so much joy this season.
Marco Reus, Axel Witsel and Jadon Sancho upped their level in the second half and they were the better side after the interval.
It is hard to believe that the last time they met Bayern, they were thumped 6-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Dortmund have definitely closed the gap between the two sides and have bought wisely over the summer by investing in talented young players.
They now have a seven point advantage over Bayern and are four points clear of Borussia Monchengladbach who sit in second place.
Of course, there is still a long way to go but Dortmund’s fans will be starting to believe that this could be their year. On the evidence of this second half performance they could be right.
Pressure Mounts On Kovac
This was a game Bayern couldn’t afford to lose and Bayern boss Niko Kovac will be wondering how they did lose after a great first half display.
In the second half they failed to live with Dortmund’s pace and energy. The pace of Sancho, Reus and Alcacer caused Bayern’s defence all sorts of problems.
Bayern aren’t a club who sack their managers regularly and Kovac will be given some time to turn things around.
Last season, the defending champions didn’t start well but still ended up winning the Bundesliga title by 21 points.
But things look different this season and the biggest worry amongst Bayern fans will be the strength in depth that Dortmund have.
Dortmund have bought well in the summer and have improved, while Bayern look like they have stood still.
They have plenty of time to turn things around but know they can’t afford to fall any further behind their great rivals.
If they do their run of six Bundesliga titles in a row could be in jeopardy.
After the international break, Bayern face Fortuna at home. Meanwhile, Dortmund travel to Mainz.
Photo credit to Borussia Dortmund via Twitter
