5 reasons why Bayern Munich will defeat Borussia Dortmund
For the second time in a month, Bayern Munich will play host to bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal semi-final on Wednesday night. Last month saw Munich run out comprehensive 4-1 winners to all but secure a fifth Bundesliga title for the Bavarian giants.
Two goals from Robert Lewandowski against his former club and an Arjen Robben double ensured Carlo Ancelotti's side overcame their long-term rivals with relative ease. Raphael Guerreiro's wonder-strike was nothing more than a consolation as the gulf-in-class was ever present at the Allianz Arena.
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Despite suffering from a humiliating Champions League quarter-final exit to Real Madrid, Bayern will go into the game desperate for success and keen to replicate their success of last season.
Bayern and Dortmund tend to provide a goal-feast for the watching supporters, and here's five reason's why the Bavarian's will overcome Thomas Tuchel's Dortmund side.
#1 The Robert Lewandowski factor
During their league affair earlier this month, much was made of Robert Lewandowski's form heading into the contest. The Polish international was behind Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the goalscoring charts before the contest, but his two goals on the day ensured he leapfrogged the Gabon forward to 26 goals in the domestic season.
Unfortunately for the player, he suffered a shoulder injury that ruled him out of action for ten days - including their loss to Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg.
Lewandowski also has a prolific record against his former club where he has notched up six goals in eight games since making the controversial move to Munich in July 2014. Thomas Tuchel's defensive worries will continue as Marc Bartra is still ruled out after being injured in the terror attack on the team bus before their defeat to AS Monaco.
The stage is indeed set for Lewandowski to be the decisive factor between the two clubs once again.