Joshua the hero as Reds prevail in Klassiker

FC Bayern beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Tuesday evening, taking a big step towards the championship title. Joshua Kimmich's world-class chip before half-time made the difference in a hard-fought match, handing Bayern three points and extending their cushion in the table to seven.

The Bavarians started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Banjamin Pavard, Jérôme Boateng, David Alaba and Alphonso Davies in a back four. Kimmich and Leon Goretzka featured in a twin holding role behind Kingsley Coman, Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry, with hitman Robert Lewandowski up front. Ivan Perišić, Lucas Hernández and Javi Martínez took over from Coman, Boateng and Gnabry in the second half.

Sumptuous opener

The contest was evenly balanced in an intense, high-octane first half, the hosts getting off to the better start, Erling Haaland beating Neuer but seeing his effort scrambled off the line by Boateng. Julian Brandt drew a comfortable save from Neuer before Thorgan Hazard had the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Bayern enjoyed a spell in command now, Gnabry beating netminder Roman Bürki only for Lukasz Piszczek to clear the ball off the line. Coman drew a save from Bürki before the pendulum swung the other way again, Haaland seeing a shot deflected wide before the striker ran clear on goal but was dispossessed by Davies. Bürki denied Goretzka, but Bayern took the lead when Kimmich got hold of the ball 20 yards out, his audacious chip finding the net via Bürki's fingertips.

Goalless second half

Proceedings were similar after the restart. A Coman cross evaded Lewandowski before Dahoud warmed Neuer's gloves at the other end. Goretzka saw an effort saved before Boateng deflected a Haaland shot wide.

Guerreiro fired a free-kick straight at Neuer, Hazard turning an Emre Can cross wide. Neuer made a fine save against Dahoud, Lewandowski hitting the post, but further goals refused to come, and match official Tobias Stieler blew for full-time.

The result takes Bayern onto 64 points from 28 matches, seven clear of Dortmund with six matches to go. The Bavarians will be back in action on Saturday, when they entertain Fortuna Düsseldorf in the Bundesliga.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen