3 things we learnt from Bayern Munich’s Klassiker victory against Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich moved seven points clear of Borussia Dortmund after their 2-1 win in the 138th edition of Der Klassiker. Harry Kane opened the scoring before Michael Olise extended their lead despite the visitors to the Allianz Arena pushing for an equaliser.

Julian Brandt pulled Dortmund to within one of Vincent Kompany’s side but three points is no less than Bayern deserve as they extend their unbeaten run.

Here’s three things Get German Football News learned.

Harry Kane is even better as a 9.5

The Englishman opened the scoring for Bayern Munich, netting his 400th goal in professional football and 104th goal for Germany’s record champions. With his 12th Bundesliga goal in seven appearances this season, the arrival of Nicolas Jackson and injury to Jamal Musiala has seen the 32-year-old operate more as a No. 10, or a 9.5, which has elevated his game further.

His new role is much like a quarterback in the NFL. Kane showcases excellent footballing IQ with his positioning and intelligence, while he boasts excellent vision, awareness and passing range. This was evident in the first half when the Bayern star was on the edge of his own penalty area, pressured by three Dortmund players but he remained composed, danced his way out of trouble and started a counter-attack which resulted in Luis Diaz forcing Gregor Kobel into a save.

Keep going on as he is, and Kane will certainly give Robert Lewandowski a run for his money, with the Pole scoring 41 goals in the 2020/21 season – a Bundesliga record.

Harry Kane has now scored 400 club goals during his career.

◉ Tottenham (280)
◉ Bayern (104)
◉ Millwall (9)
◉ Leyton Orient (5)
◉ Leicester (2)

And he's also found the back of the net 76 times for England. 👏 pic.twitter.com/romAhJZFza

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 18, 2025

Borussia Dortmund must show more urgency

We’ve all praised Borussia Dortmund’s discipline this season as Niko Kovač’s came into Matchday 7’s Der Klassiker clash against Bayern Munich with four successive clean sheets preceding their 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig prior to the international break. But is that holding Die Schwarzgelben back? Well in truth, no.

Dortmund’s gameplan from the off was evidently to sit deep in a low block, which was aided by Maximilian Beier dropping to the bench in place of Pascal Groß. But they ended the first half with zero shots and only 26 percent possession and 91 passes, in comparison to Bayern’s 337.

But with just four points separating the two teams with Bayern leading, this was a chance for Dortmund to close the gap to one point with nothing to lose. An underwhelming first half performance, Dortmund were only holding themselves back, and it’s important that they show more courage and urgency. An increase of intensity after the break, Kovač clearly had some clear words during his team talk as Felix Nmecha headed wide just four minutes after the break.

Karim Adeyemi then spurned an excellent opportunity after a costly slip and even after Dortmund went 2-0 down, they responded well with substitute Julian Brandt scoring immediately after his introduction. His goal is what BVB’s second half performance deserved and had they had played like that for 90 minutes, it may have been a different game. 

Injury concerns continue for Bayern Munich

Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanišić, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are all long-term absentees for Bayern and prior to the Matchday 7 clash, the Rekordmeister confirmed that Serge Gnabry had suffered an adductor injury and wouldn’t be available for selection. With an already small squad, Vincent Kompany and his medical team will have to work their magic.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder