Bayern Munich made it seven wins from seven as they defeated rivals Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker on Saturday evening. The Bavarian giants were a class above Kiko Kovac's men at the Allianz Arena to continue their seemingly unstoppable march towards a second successive Bundesliga title as they opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table.
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Bayern dominated in the opening exchanges against rivals Borussia Dortmund as Gregor Kobel was forced into saves to deny Michael Olise and Luis Diaz, meaning it wasn't until the 22nd minute that they found the breakthrough. Harry Kane headed in his 12th league goal of the season as he held off pressure from Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy to rise highest to meet Joshua Kimmich's corner.
The German champions continued to dominate at the Allianz Arena but struggled to make home advantage count as Dortmund grew into the game after the break. Karim Adeyemi was presented with a great chance midway through the second half following Joshua Kimmich's misplaced pass but the German forward lost his footing at a crucial moment and skewed his effort off target.
As Dortmund pushed forward for an equaliser, however, they were caught on the counter attack as the clock ticked towards the 90. Kane played a superb cross-field ball for Diaz, who then broke down the left. The Colombian fired a low ball across the Dortmund box, which was cut out by Jobe Bellingham. The former Sunderland man struggled to get the ball out from under his feet, which presented Michael Olise with the opportunity to tackle the ball into the back of the net to double Bayern's advantage.
Julian Brandt set up a nervy finish at the Allianz Arena as he halved the deficit in the 85th minute. Brandt was picked out brilliantly by Julian Ryerson as the unmarked forward fired past Manuel Neuer from close range. Dortmund continued to push for an equaliser yet their efforts were in vein as Bayern held out for a 2-1 win.
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Harry Kane bagged his 400th career goal in Der Klassiker as he rose brilliantly to meet Joshua Kimmich's corner to head in the opener. The Bayern forward continued to drop deep and played a huge role in the German champions' second, playing a superb cross-field pass for Luis Diaz. He's absolutely unstoppable at present.
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Nicklas Sule was thrown in at the deep end by Niko Kovac. The German defender was making his first league start of the season and second appearance since a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the Club World Cup. Desperately short of match fitness, it showed as Sule was hooked at half time as he struggled with Diaz's direct runs down the Bayern left.
AFPMatch rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐