GERMAN LEAGUE
Berlin, Feb 26: The shine has faded from Der Klassiker. What was once German football’s fiercest duel now risks becoming a procession.
Bayern Munich travel to face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with an eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and firm control of the title race. Bayern have won 12 of the last 13 league crowns, asserting domestic dominance even as Dortmund enjoy their strongest campaign since lifting back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.
Both sides have lost only once this season — Dortmund falling 2-1 to Bayern in October, while Bayern were upset by Augsburg. Yet Bayern’s consistency, with 19 wins from 23 matches, has created clear daylight with 11 rounds remaining.The Bavarians also hold the upper hand historically, winning 24 of the teams’ last 37 meetings across competitions since the 2013 Champions League final.
Harry Kane remains Bayern’s spearhead, with 28 league goals already, closing in on Robert Lewandowski’s record of 41 in a season. Dortmund, meanwhile, are regrouping after a midweek Champions League exit.
Elsewhere, Werder Bremen face Heidenheim in a relegation scrap, while Eintracht Frankfurt host Freiburg hoping to continue their revival. For all the talk of fading intrigue, Der Klassiker still carries weight — history, pride and the roar of a full house in Dortmund. (AP)
