Top 10 best Der Klassiker matches of all time

Published at :March 30, 2024 at 4:53 PM

Modified at :March 30, 2024 at 5:31 PM

Der Klassiker is one of the biggest rivalries in world football

Unsurprisingly, there is a holy grail of ‘Clasicos’ or derbies for every league. But only a few stand-out clashes have the footballing world by the scruff of its neck. Der Klassiker or the German Clasico is one such fixture… One does not have to be a Bundesliga fan to know the importance of the clash. When Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund lock horns, it is heated. Over the years, these two sides have entertained the fans whenever they face each other. Here are the top 10 best of Der Klassiker games of all time!

10. Borussia Dortmund 3 – 2 Bayern Munich (2018-19)

In a top-of-the-table clash on November 10th, 2018, league leaders Borussia Dortmund faced defending champions Bayern Munich. Dortmund were on a hot run of form, needing a win to equal a club record of 11 unbeaten games. However, Bayern, despite a recent slump, started strong. Serge Gnabry set up Robert Lewandowski for the opening goal. Dortmund fought back with a Marco Reus penalty, but Bayern regained the lead shortly after through Gnabry and Lewandowski, yet again. The game’s intensity remained, and Dortmund found their equalizer through Reus. Nonetheless, the hero for Dortmund was the ‘super-sub’ Paco Alcacer. After a quick Jadon Sancho steal, Axel Witsel launched a perfect ball for Alcacer – who raced past the Bayern defence to score the winner.

9. Borussia Dortmund 1 – 0 Bayern Munich (2011-12)

Under Jürgen Klopp‘s exciting tactics, Borussia Dortmund emerged as Bayern Munich’s biggest threat. Dortmund, with their mix of young stars and shrewd signings, were on course to defend their 2010/11 Bundesliga title. The 2011/12 season’s title race came down to the wire as the two heavyweights clashed. Despite Bayern controlling the ball, Dortmund were more dangerous. In the 77th minute, Robert Lewandowski put Dortmund ahead with a clever flick. The tension rose further when a penalty was awarded to Bayern in the 86th minute. However, Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller redeemed himself by saving Arjen Robben‘s penalty, keeping his team on top of the table.

8. Bayern Munich 4 – 2 Borussia Dortmund (2022-23)

In a dramatic twist to the 2022/23 Bundesliga title race, Bayern Munich crushed Borussia Dortmund 4-2 in their Klassiker clash. Dortmund arrived at the Allianz Arena as league leaders, but their dream start to the season crumbled within the first 25 minutes. A huge error by Dortmund’s goalkeeper gifted Bayern an early lead, followed by quick goals from Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman. Despite late consolation goals for Dortmund, Bayern secured a dominant victory and took back the top spot in the table.

7. Borussia Dortmund 2 – 3 Bayern Munich (2020-21)

On November 7th, 2020 in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich edged out Borussia Dortmund 3-2. Marco Reus opened the scoring for Dortmund, but Bayern fought back with two quick goals just before halftime. The second half saw Robert Lewandowski score and contribute an assist to secure the win for Bayern, despite Erling Haaland pulling a goal back for Dortmund. This Der Klassiker victory again proved to hit the Black and Yellows’ morale very hard, and Bayern reclaimed their top spot.

6. Borussia Dortmund 2 – 3 Bayern Munich (2021-22)

These two German giants have produced thrilling encounters, the scorelines are enough to indicate the same. A controversial penalty decided the “der Klassiker” on December 4th, 2021, as Bayern Munich edged Borussia Dortmund 3-2. Robert Lewandowski, a former Dortmund player, scored twice for Bayern, including a disputed penalty in the 78th minute. The penalty call, after a VAR check, left Dortmund furious as they felt they were denied a similar call earlier. Despite Marco Reus’ opener and Julian Brandt‘s impressive goal, Bayern secured the win with Kingsley Coman also scoring. This victory extended Bayern’s lead at the top of the Bundesliga and put them on track for another potential championship title.

5. Borussia Dortmund 0 – 1 Bayern Munich (2019-20)

Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga is highlighted by their incredible run of titles. Since their 2012/13 treble win, they’ve achieved an unmatched feat of 11 consecutive Bundesliga championships. A key moment in securing their 2019/20 title was a dramatic Klassiker victory over Borussia Dortmund. Played behind closed doors for the first time ever, the game was settled by Joshua Kimmich‘s stunning lob just before halftime. Despite Erling Haaland’s debut and his near misses saved by Jerome Boateng, Bayern secured a crucial victory in their title chase.

4. Borussia Dortmund 3 – 2 Bayern Munich (2006-07)

In a classic example of the thrilling encounters between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, Dortmund secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory on January 27th, 2007. Alex Frei was the hero for Dortmund, scoring all three of their goals. He equalized twice, at 1-1 and 2-2, before assisting Tinga for the winning goal. This impressive performance sealed a memorable win for Dortmund against their fierce rivals.

3. Bayern Munich 2 – 3 Borussia Dortmund (2016-17)

En route to their DFB Pokal triumph in 2017, Dortmund and Bayern played another thrilling Der Klassiker in the semi-finals. Losing 2-1 in the 70th minute of the cup semi-final against fierce rivals, Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubemyang and Ousmane Dembele scored two goals in 5 minutes to seal it for the Black and Yellows.

2. Borussia Dortmund 5 – 2 Bayern Munich (2011-12)

The 2012 DFB Cup final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich wasn’t just a trophy match, it was a fiery chapter in their growing rivalry. Played just a week after Dortmund clinched the Bundesliga title, it was a high-stakes rematch. Dortmund, aiming for their first domestic double, faced a Bayern team desperate to redeem themselves before their Champions League final. The game lived up to the hype. Kagawa put Dortmund ahead early, Robben equalized with a penalty, but Hummels restored the lead with another penalty. Just before halftime, Lewandowski sealed a dominant first half for Dortmund with a cheeky nutmeg on Neuer.

1. Bayern Munich 2 – 1 Borussia Dortmund (2012-13)

Fueled by a desire to reclaim dominance after two years of Dortmund supremacy, Jupp Heynckes’ Bayern Munich embarked on a historic season in 2012-13. They steamrolled the Bundesliga, winning by a staggering 25 points, and conquered Dortmund in every other major domestic competition: the Supercup and the DFB Cup quarter-final. This rivalry reached its peak on the grandest stage as both teams booked their place in the first-ever all-German UEFA Champions League final at Wembley. It ended with Bayern edging out Dortmund 2-1. Goals from Mandzukic and Robben ensured them a historic treble, marking the start of Bayern’s current reign of Bundesliga dominance.

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