Bayern Munich started the Thomas Tuchel era in stunning fashion as they hammered Borussia Dortmund 4-2 in the Der Klassiker on Sunday afternoon. The result means that the Bavarians now lead Dortmund by two points at the top of the table and are firmly in control of the Bundesliga title.
Bayern score three goals in ten minutes
Dortmund came into the game having won nine of their last 10 league games but a howler from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel gave Bayern the advantage after just 13 minutes.
The Swiss keeper raced off his line to make a routine clearance from Dayot Upamecano’s mistimed long-range pass but fluffed his lines as he completely missed the ball which rolled into the net.
Thomas Muller then scored twice in five minutes as Bayern Munich raced to a 3-0 lead inside the first 25 minutes. The German forward first sneaked into the far post to score from close range following Matthijs de Ligt’ header from a corner.
The 33-year-old then scored on the rebound from Leroy Sane’s effort, which Kobel could only parry onto his path. The game was effectively over at halftime. Kingsley Coman then made it 4-0 five minutes after the restart with a tap-in finishing Sane’s defense-splitting pass.
Dortmund fail to deliver again
Dortmund once again failed to deliver when it mattered the most. Jude Bellingham and Marco Reus both had a quiet game given their lofty standards, hardly making an impact as Bayern outclassed their opponents in every department.
Bellingham did win a penalty for the visitors which Emre Can stepped up to convert before Donyell Malen scored in injury time to make it 4-2 and make the score respectable at the end.
Dortmund have now lost their ninth straight game against Bayern and it appeared that their past form against the reigning Champions played a part in the match.
With Bayern now taking the lead in the standings, it will be interesting to see if Dortmund can bounce back and stretch their opponents till the very end in pursuit of the Bundesliga title.
Photo Credit: IMAGO / Ulrich Wagner
