The Bundesliga is back with a bang this weekend.
Bayern Munich host Borussia Dortmund as the top two clash in Der Klassiker. Bayern have made a rampant start to their title defence, winning all six matches. At present, Dortmund are their nearest rivals, though even a four-point gap seems insurmountable at this stage.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Even so, a result for Dortmund would be huge at this stage of the season. And having claimed a result on their last two trips to Munich, they know just how to frustrate the Bavarians. The issue for Dortmund, however, is that Bayern seem unstoppable.
Vincent Kompany’s side have scored more goals (25) than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues this season. By comparison, Dortmund have scored just 12. To really drive the point home, that’s just one more than Bayern hitman Harry Kane (11).
Rampant Harry Kane
Kane comes into Der Klassiker in flying form. A brace in Latvia means the England skipper has scored in each of his last eight appearances for club and country. Augsburg and Andorra are the only two sides to shut Kane out this season. Maybe Dortmund should rebrand for a one-game special…
What makes Kane so unique a player, however, isn’t that he doesn’t just score goals. Yes, this is his primary duty as a striker, and it’s no surprise he ranks second for shots (21) and first for shots on target (16) in the Bundesliga this season. The 32-year-old also excels at dropping deep and bringing teammates into play.
Only teammate Luis Diaz and Union Berlin’s Andrej Ilic (both 4) have provided more assists than Kane (3) in 2025-26. The Bayern star ranks ninth for chances created (13) and boasts an 81.58% pass accuracy, placing between the 80th and 95th percentile for strikers. In short – Kane brings a bit of everything to the Bayern attack. Combined with his ruthless finishing, this reinforces the claim he’s the best striker in world football.
So, Dortmund have no hope of stopping Kane on Saturday right? Well… that’s not exactly the case. On paper, Kane boasts a fine scoring record against Dortmund with three goals in his four league outings. However, he’s drawn a blank in his last three games against Die Schwarzgelben.
Super Schlotterbeck back for Dortmund
In addition, Niko Kovac’s side boast the second-best defensive record in the Bundesliga this season having shipped four goals. Three of those came in an opening weekend 3-3 draw with St. Pauli. Additionally, Kovac’s three-man backline has been boosted by the recent return of Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German resumed partial training in September after a five-month layoff and his availability is a huge boost for Dortmund. Operating at the heart of the three-man defence, Sclotterbeck’s knack for being in the right place at the right time combined with his distribution is a key asset for Kovac.
An average of six clearances per 90 minutes ranks in the 80th to 95th percentile among defenders. Those balls in for Kane should, in theory, be mopped up easily enough. Furthermore, Kovac so often tasks Schlotterbeck with setting Dortmund on the front foot from defence.
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In a three-man backline, a centre-back to launch raking long balls to the wing-backs is key. While more than adept at keeping things simple, as a 90.34% pass accuracy shows, it’s the missiles Schlotterbeck launches that catches the eye. 10.33 attempted long balls per 90 ranks in the 95th percentile for centre-backs. So, too, does seven long balls completed per 90.
The likes of Daniel Svensson and Yan Couto benefit from Schlotterbeck getting the ball wide as quickly as possible. Indeed, the duo rank first (8) and second (7), respectively, for chances created of Dortmund players.
Against Bayern, where time on the ball will be at a premium as Kompany’s side seek to dominant, Schlotterback’s range of passing will not only ease pressure on the Dortmund goal, but help spring lightning quick counters. Combined with his fine reading of the game, Der Klassiker isn’t such the cut and dry showdown.
Key battle to determine Der Klassiker victor
It does, though, stand out as one of the Bundesliga’s best fixtures and for good reason. Bayern are out to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Dortmund are seeking to close the gap. In such a key early-season clash, it’s a game that could be decided by the performances of Kane and Schlotterbeck.
Should the former drop deeper, the latter may need to step out to keep the pressure on the Bayern forward, which in turn would open up gaps in defence. Kovac has his defence well drilled, however, and Schlotterbeck is experienced enough to ensure he isn’t pulled into a one-vs-one battle with Kane.
This is one of a number of mini-match ups that’ll ultimately influence the result of Saturday’s showpiece. Two world class talents battling for supremacy should make for an enthralling showdown as Bayern and Dortmund compete for early bragging rights.