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1) The tide has turned
For so long, Der Klassiker meant great hope but ultimately frustration for Dortmund, as they went on a sorry spell of 11 encounters without a win against Bayern between 2019 and November 2023, when a 4-0 humbling at home summed up their poor fortunes against their major rivals.
That made the trip to Munich last spring all the more special. A swift chase and finish from Karim Adeyemi on a sweeping Dortmund move sent them in front, and a superb late strike from Julian Ryerson secured a first away Klassiker win in 10 years.
A spectacular strike from Jamie Gittens may have been cancelled out by a Jamal Musiala header in the first Klassiker of the current season in November, but Bayern failed to restore bragging rights in the enduring rivalry. The current Dortmund squad can now travel to Munich with the knowledge of how to gain results against Bayern and without any need to fear their opponents’ reputation.
