Leverkusen looking for Bayern mistake in the minor Der Klassiker

The biggest German derby of the 21st century, Der Klassiker, between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, is upon us once again—this Saturday at 19.30, marking their 112th clash. However, unlike many past encounters, this one comes with a heavy shadow of imbalance: Bayern enters as a clear favorite.

A staggering 27-point gap separates the two sides in the Bundesliga standings. Bayern sits firmly at the top, just four wins away from clinching another title. Dortmund, on the other hand, is languishing in eighth place and facing a serious risk of missing out on European competitions altogether next season.

Both sides head into this clash licking their wounds from midweek Champions League heartbreak. Bayern suffered a surprising 1:2 home loss to Inter and now has a mountain to climb in Milan. Meanwhile, Dortmund was demolished 0:4 by Barcelona in Spain—essentially crashing out of the quarterfinals.

Yet Bayern’s star striker Harry Kane remains cautious:

"Dortmund is always dangerous. They have quality players and a new coach. They’ve improved and are still a Champions League quarterfinalist. On their day, they can beat anyone. We have to be ready," Kane warned.

He also acknowledged the awkward timing of the derby:

"It falls between two huge Champions League games for both teams, but we need to impose our tempo and dominate. It won’t be easy, but we’ll play without fear."

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac emphasized the magnitude of the match regardless of current standings:

"Yes, we’re not where we want to be in the table, but Der Klassiker remains the crown jewel of German football. This game will be broadcast in over 100 countries. That speaks to its evolution and prestige. It hurts that we’re not second or third, but the goal is to repeat last year’s result—win in Munich."

Of course, stopping Harry Kane will be no easy task.

"He’s been incredibly consistent throughout his career. If we manage to take him out of the game, we take out a huge chunk of Bayern’s threat," said Kovac.

Their first meeting this season ended in a 1:1 draw on November 30 at Signal Iduna Park. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens gave Dortmund the lead in the 27th minute, but Bayern rescued a point through Jamal Musiala’s equalizer in the 85th.

While Bayern chases yet another title and Dortmund clings to European hopes, Der Klassiker still promises passion, pride, and maybe—just maybe—a surprise twist.

On the other side, Bayer Leverkusen will host Union Berlin in order to follow Bayern, in the case of Borussia's win, or even draw. It's gonna be a interesting Saturday in Bundesliga!

BUNDESLIGA - MATCHDAY 29

Friday

Wolfsburg - RB Leipzig 2-3 (0-2)

/Fischer 58, Skov Olsen 75 - Openda 11, Simons 26, 49/

Saturday

16:30: (2.50) Bochum (3.30) Augsburg (2.85)

16:30: (2.85) Hoffenheim (3.40) Mainz (2.45)

16:30: (2.95) Holstein Kiel (3.35) St.Pauli (2.40)

16:30: (1.37) Leverkusen (4.90) Union Berlin (8.50)

16:30: (2.25) M' gladbach (3.45) Freiburg (3.15)

19:30: (1.42) Bayern (5.00) Dortmund (6.75)

Sunday

16:30: (1.65) Stuttgart (4.00) Werder (5.20)

18:30: (1.73) Eintr.Frankfurt (3.60) Heidenheim (5.10)

***odds are subject to change***