5 most memorable moments from the Bayern Munich-Borussia Dortmund rivalry
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are the two most successful clubs in Germany in terms of league titles and these two clubs have shared the last six titles between themselves. And the recent success of these two teams has intensified Der Klassiker rivalry. Dortmund’s incredible rise under Jurgen Klopp was a huge threat to Bayern and the two teams eventually faced off in the first all-German Champions League final in 2013. In 2012, Bayern also appointed Matthias Sammer, who was a Champions League and Ballon d’Or winner with Dortmund, as their Sporting Director and the Bavarians later snapped up two of Dortmund’s most talented players – Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski – which further fuelled the rivalry. The matches between these two sides have produced some amazing moments over the years. Even the last encounter between the sides was entertaining as Bayern shockingly missed four penalties on the trot and lost the DFB Pokal semi-final to their fierce rivals.Here are five of the most memorable moments from the Der Klassier over the years.
#1 Robert Lewandowski sinks Bayern\'s title hopes
On 11 April 2012, Bayern and Dortmund played each other in a potential title decider at the Signal Iduna Park. Coming into the game Dortmund were top of the table with 66 points and aiming for successive league titles while Bayern were second with 63 points. The Bavarians needed to win the game to have any hope of winning the title as this was the 30th match of league season which comprises of only 34 games.
With the game level at 0-0 in the 77th minute, Dortmund were awarded a corner. Bayern cleared the ball, but it fell to Großkreutz at the edge of the penalty box. The German’s low shot was going straight into the arms of Manuel Neuer, but a deft touch from Lewandowski saw the ball end up in the back of the net and this was the Polish striker’s only goal against his future employers.
More drama followed in the closing stages as Arjen Robben won a penalty with an alleged dive, however the Dutchman missed from the spot and that’s when Neven Subotic famously confronted Robben to rub salt in his wounds. Six minutes later Robben missed from close range with an open goal gaping at him.
Dortmund went on to win all their remaining games and won the title with an 8-point lead over Bayern.