As Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich gear up for their first clash of the season, the spotlight falls on the intriguing battles that could define the outcome of this fiercely contested match.
Leroy Sané vs Dortmund’s Left-Back Enigma
Leroy Sané has emerged as the standout performer for Bayern Munich this season, displaying the brilliance the club had hoped for when he arrived from Manchester City in 2020. With eight Bundesliga goals to his name, he’s undeniably a game-changer for Bayern.
The question for Dortmund is who they’ll deploy as their left-back against the formidable Sané. Ramy Bensebaini, their primary choice, has struggled throughout the season, as seen in his recent outing against Eintracht Frankfurt. His battle against compatriot Farès Chaïbi and Aurelio Buta highlighted his difficulties. Whoever Dortmund entrusts with this challenging task will need to be at their best to contain Sané over the course of 90 minutes.
Harry Kane’s Inaugural Clash with Hummels and Schlotterbeck
Harry Kane is set for his first Bayern vs. Dortmund showdown, and he’ll face off against Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck, two of Dortmund’s most reliable defensive stalwarts. Kane might have a tough time leaving his mark in this clash.
Nico Schlotterbeck, aiming to regain his place in the national team after a spell on the bench under Julian Nagelsmann, recently delivered a standout performance against Newcastle in the Champions League. With one of the world’s top strikers in his sights, Schlotterbeck has an opportunity to further impress Nagelsmann and solidify his place in the squad.
Dortmund’s Attacking Prowess vs. Bayern’s Shaky Defense
Both Dortmund and Bayern find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season. Bayern’s defense is grappling with injuries, and the absence of Matthijs de Ligt leaves them with just one fully-fit central defender, Kim Min-Jae. The return of Dayot Upamecano, though uncertain, adds a layer of intrigue as Bayern might be forced to improvise with makeshift center-back options.
Conversely, Dortmund’s attacking prowess has waned compared to their previous season’s form. Julian Brandt remains the solitary consistent performer, while Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Füllkrug, Donyell Malen, and Giovanni Reyna have struggled to find their rhythm, with only sporadic glimpses of their quality. With Bayern’s defense vulnerable, Dortmund will be on the hunt for a leader in the attack to exploit this newfound weakness.
This showdown can aptly be described as a battle between an irresistible force and a permeable wall, setting the stage for an enthralling spectacle in the first Der Klassiker of the season.
