DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - Once again, the outstanding Harry Kane celebrated with arms outstretched in front of the traveling fans, for whom the title race already seems settled after this prestigious victory at Borussia Dortmund. "German Champions FCB," sang the Bayern supporters. In light of their 3-2 (0-1) win over the league's second-placed team and now an eleven-point lead, hardly anyone doubts Bayern Munich's 35th league title anymore.
"We want to keep winning our games. But we knew this was a significant match for us," Bayern's international Jonathan Tah told Sky. BVB defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who was involved in many key scenes, commented: "This was an all-in game for us. I don't think anyone can accuse us of not giving enough." In the end, though, it just wasn't enough. "It's really frustrating to lose here."
Schlotterbeck Puts BVB Ahead
Schlotterbeck (26') put BVB in front, although he was twice fortunate not to be sent off. Super striker Kane, with a brace (54th minute/70th, penalty), and Joshua Kimmich (87') decided the high-profile clash after the break. Daniel Svensson (83') had briefly leveled for 2-2.
In addition to the painful defeat, Dortmund also lamented the loss of captain Emre Can, who apparently had to be substituted with a serious injury before halftime.
Despite a clear improvement from the 4-1 disaster at Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League, Dortmund also lost their second league match of the season to Bayern. Their last home win against the record champions was more than seven years ago. For coach Niko Kovac's team, it was also their first home defeat of the season.
Dortmund Improved After Champions League Humbling
From the outset, there was fire in this 114th edition of the prestigious duel. In the Bundesliga, only Bayern's matchups with Werder Bremen (118) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (115) have occurred more often. Dortmund were visibly eager to make up for the embarrassment in Bergamo and their shameful midweek Champions League exit. The intensity was noticeably higher against a Bayern side fresher both mentally and physically.
But it was the league leaders who kept the ball moving at first. BVB defended passionately but barely got out of their own half. The opener came out of nowhere and not from open play. A free-kick cross from Daniel Svensson was headed in by Schlotterbeck past Jonas Urbig. Manuel Neuer, still recovering from a muscle tear, failed to make the squad in time. Schlotterbeck was lucky to still be on the pitch for his fourth goal of the season.
After just over a quarter of an hour, the national defender had clattered Josip Stanisic with a nasty, clumsy foul and was shown a yellow card. He could consider himself fortunate. After BVB's 1-0, the game changed. Dortmund gained a bit more control, and the match developed into an intense back-and-forth until halftime, which the Bayern fans mostly watched in silence.
Why the Bayern Fans Fell Silent
Before the Bundesliga summit, there had been a confrontation between police and sections of the record champions' organized fan base. According to Sky, visiting fans decided to refrain from chants and encouragement in protest and solidarity with those affected.
Less than ten minutes after the restart, Dortmund's solid defending fell apart. For the equalizer by goal-getter Kane, Ramy Bensebaini, who had come on for Can, charged out of the center-back position too aggressively, leaving Serge Gnabry and scorer Kane completely free in front of the BVB goal after a chip from Joshua Kimmich. The England captain did not pass up the invitation, scoring his 29th of the season.
Bensebaini and Guirassy Initially Benched Due to Ramadan
Bensebaini had already made several costly mistakes in Bergamo and, like Serhou Guirassy, started the game on the bench. Dortmund coach Kovac explained before the match that this was due to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "We've been fasting for two weeks and have already played four matches. It takes a lot of energy when you can't eat or drink all day, and that's why I just couldn't start the guys today," Kovac told Sky.
Guirassy's replacement, Fábio Silva, had a nightmare outing and was a total non-factor in attack. The Portuguese barely won a duel and lost many balls. Only after more than an hour did Kovac see reason and swap the two strikers.
Schlotterbeck Fortunate Again
At first, it made no difference. A Schlotterbeck foul on Stanisic in the box gave Bayern the lead. Reliable penalty taker Kane converted from the spot. Schlotterbeck was again lucky in this scene. Referee Sven Jablonski did not issue the second yellow card he arguably deserved.
After Svensson's 2-2 equalizer, Dortmund sensed hope again, but Kimmich's wonder goal just before the end silenced the euphoric BVB fans./lap/DP/zb
