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It’s first against second in the Bundesliga with the two teams locked on points when Bayern host Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena on Saturday (kick-off at 18:30 CET, live coverage on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app with our text commentary and free web radio). Here’s all you need to know ahead of Der Klassiker on Matchday 8…
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Bayern and Dortmund are the only two teams yet to taste defeat in the Bundesliga this season, but the men from Munich will be particularly confident going into Der Klassiker as the only side across Europe’s top leagues not to lose any competitive fixture in 2026/27.
Their run of results at the Allianz Arena is also seriously impressive, with 18 goals scored after three home games of a Bundesliga season now a new record in Germany’s top flight. Taking in the Köln game at the end of 2025/26, and the Reds have scored at least five goals in each of their last four Bundesliga home fixtures for the first time ever.
Dortmund have good attackers. I know some of them from my time in England. We need to be ready to perform to our best in all phases of the game.
Aaron Danks
“We’ve got a lot of respect for Dortmund. It’s Der Klassiker. They always challenge and push us. We want to win and build a lead over BVB. We’re currently on an equal footing in the table,” said board member for sport Max Eberl of the game.
Bayern will no doubt look to build on their own attacking impetus. Michael Olise has six goals and three assists already in the Bundesliga, with his nine goal contributions the most in the division, even one ahead of Harry Kane, who could make his first appearance at the Allianz Arena as a Ballon d’Or winner. Olise in particular has been in good form at home, bagging another brace in Wednesday’s 6-1 win over Magdeburg in the DFB Cup.
“It’s a big game that the whole world will be watching. We’ll focus today on the tactics and want to show every player what they can do. There won’t be any big changes. We’re ready for the game,” said Aaron Danks as he continues to cover for Vincent Kompany.
Bayern team news
Manuel Neuer won’t be available for Saturday’s Klassiker as the goalkeeper continues to suffer with pain in his foot. Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz are also out with injuries.
A decision on Joshua Kimmich’s involvement will be made before the game. The midfielder trained with the team again for the first time on Friday, following some individual sessions during the week. “I’ve spoken to him. Life is different for him now. We’ll give him all the support he needs. If Jo feels ready to get involved again, that could be tomorrow or might not be,” Eberl explained.
Opponent: Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund come to Munich in second place but only behind Bayern on goal difference. They have become a very sold team under Niko Kovač, boasting the best defensive record of any team across Europe’s top five leagues with only four goals conceded in the Bundesliga. They have kept clean sheets in five out of seven league outings so far.
Kovač in particular is aware of the qualities Bayern will bring to the table. “Our positions definitely make things a lot more exciting than in recent years. But that doesn’t make it any easier, because Bayern are the best team not just in Germany but also in Europe,” the ex-FCB boss stated.
To win away at Bayern, you need to be ready to fight and go beyond your limits.
Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund)
Dortmund also pose their own threat going forward, but Kovač knows that his team can’t afford any slips: “If you don’t play like you need to for 10-15 minutes, then things can very quickly go bad in Munich.”
However, the BVB coach also believes that the tight table is an additional push for his team, given “it’s been a long time since we’ve had a game in Munich where we were level on points.”
Borussia Dortmund team news
In contrast to Bayern, Borussia have an almost full squad at their disposal. Besides long-term absentees Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias, there is only a question mark over forward Konstantinos Karetsas. Kovač has said he wants to see after training on Friday whether the summer signing is ready to make the trip to Munich following his recent injury.
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