How important is winning Der Klassiker for Bayern Munich? | OneFootball

The 137th edition of Der Klassiker is on Saturday. One of the most bitter and enthralling rivalries in the history of German football, this time it is set to be an incredibly important match for Bayern Munich's hopes of winning the 2025 Meisterschale and Dortmund's push toward playing European football next season.

The men in red come into this match on a hot streak domestically. With Bayern facing a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Inter Milan on Tuesday, winning the Der Klassiker is crucial for them to get back in form ahead of the second leg against the Italian side. Der Klassiker already always boasts an edge-of-your-seat viewing party, but with so much on the line this go-around, it might even be called one of the games of the calendar year once the full-time whistle blows at the Allianz Arena.

Who will have a big say in the Der Klassiker?

The attacking trio for Bayern has essentially stayed the same for most of the season, with all three of the front three being in--arguably--the best form of each of their careers. Michael Olise, who seems to have the magic touch anywhere on the pitch he stands, has created an incredible amount of chances and has become a true standout winger in not only the Bundesliga but all of European football.

Leroy Sane, who hasn't scored as many chances as he should have so far this season, is still a formidable force and creates chances for every player around him on the pitch. Then, of course, you have the mercurial Harry Kane; a man known the world over for his scoring records and clutch moments, who seriously could be the best striker in the world right now, bar-none. With an offensive sheet of names like that, Borussia Dortmund is going to have to pull a rabbit out of the hat on the defensive end to keep the score close. Take your pick on any one of these three, but with Bayern averaging 2.89 goals a game this season and Dortmund conceding the eighth most goals in the league, I would say that Harry Kane might be the man of the moment.

With Jamal Musiala out for Der Klassiker this Saturday, another midfielder from Die Roten will have to step up in his place. The obvious options in the midfield would be Thomas Muller or Leon Goretzka, with the latter more than likely being the first choice. Der Raumdeuter, who has announced that he will leave Bayern at the end of this season, could be a more tactical option by Vincent Kompany, however, due to his awareness of the pitch which allows him to create space and forward passing options for the likes of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Leroy Sane. Leon Goretzka, who is more defensively-minded in a sense, could factor in more if the Belgian coach plans to sit back and control the tempo in the Bayern half and use the pace of the wingers to break the lines of the Dortmund defense later on in the game. Either way, one of these two will play a vital role in controlling the possession of the ball from Bayern's standpoint.

Bayern Munich, on the defensive end, has faltered at best this season. The truth is that the Bavarian club still has work to do defensively, and they will have a lot to deal with when it comes to Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy, and Julian Brandt. If Die Roten can keep the ball out of the feet of these three, though, it might be a long day for the opposition. Min-Jae Kim should be able to control the ball movement through the back line, with Joshua Kimmich dropping in and having João Palhinha or Leon Goretzka (or Thomas Muller) as an option to draw some midfield pressure as well. If Bayern can successfully do this, it will open up lanes for the front three to create space and get in behind so that the ball stays in Dortmund's half, and there will be less of a defensive effort needed.

How Will This Game potentially pan out?

It will not be easy for Bayern to beat Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, but it will happen. Die Roten will need to be very intelligent on the tactical and defensive side of things, but more than likely, it will be a case of the hosts' superstar offense creating an overwhelming task for Dortmund to overcome. The absence of Jamal Musiala will play a factor, but they will find a way to work around the problem and rely more heavily on their other stars to create the chances that will put them further ahead in the title race for the Bundesliga title.