Eduard Bănulescu
Der Klassiker, the derby between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, the clubs that have dominated German football for the past 25 years, returns for a new iteration today. Here’s a brief history of the rivalry, and the fantasy sports benefits of following the match.
What’s the meaning of Der Klassiker in German football?
Unlike most other football rivalries, the one between Bayern and Dortmund is based less on geographic proximity or tradition. Rather, it’s created on the two clubs’ recent history. They have won the last 21 of 25 Bundesliga titles between them.
Yes, it’s true that Bayern has now won seven titles in a row. It’s also true that the Bavarians’ 29 titles seem to put them in a different bracket to Borussia who have won only 11.
Regardless, Dortmund’s attractive style of play, have made them one of the most appreciated football clubs for international fans. It all started with their successful 1990s generation, was carried on by the team masterminded by Jurgen Klopp in the 2000s, and it remains the same at present with Borussia’s charismatic line-up of stars.
Der Klassiker highlights
Der Klassiker, like EL Clasico, or the Old Firm Derby, attracts the attention of football fans across the world. Results in matches between Dortmund and Bayern have varied, but most often, these clashes involve plenty of goals.
The rivalry truly started back in the 1990s. Then, Lothar Matthäus and Andreas Möller, both German internationals, captained the two sides. Tempers often ran high during these meetings. Such was the case in 1998 when the two sides met in the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League. Dortmund scratched a 1-0 aggregate victory thanks to a goal by Stéphane Chapuisat.
Bayern may have won the derby more times during the 1990s. But, Dortmund secured one of the most prestigious victories in 2012’s DFB-Pokal final. It ended 5-2 with Robert Lewandowski supplying a hat-trick against what will soon become his new club.
Another dramatic Klassiker had the two teams battling it out for Champions League silverware in 2013. Bayern won courtesy of a late goal by Dutch winger Arjen Robben. Adding salt in the wounds, this secured Bayern’s historic treble.
Der Klassiker returns today under unprecedented circumstances. Stands will be empty, but the two teams will be highly motivated to grab a win that would inch them closer to the Bundesliga title.
