Even though both sides are in the shadow of Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, there is still a lot to play for in Saturday's Bayern Munich-Borussia Dortmund clash. With a 10-point lead with eight games remaining, Leverkusen is on course to win the Bundesliga title for the first time. Second-placed Bayern could be 13 points behind at kick-off if Leverkusen wins at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday. The Leverkusen title would be the first time since 2009 and only the fifth time in the last three decades that neither Bayern nor Dortmund have topped the table.
Saturday's match between the traditional powers remains important for both sides.
Bayern is in danger of a first defeat at home to its biggest domestic rivals since 2014.
They will also be looking to keep their momentum going ahead of the trip to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals in early April, the last thing the trophy-hungry club can hope for this season.
While glory may be at stake for Bayern, fourth-placed Dortmund are in danger of missing out on the Champions League next season by being one point behind RB Leipzig.
For a club that relies heavily on Champions League income, missing out on the top four could have a huge impact on Dortmund.
Former Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said fireworks were guaranteed on Saturday.
“The rivalry between Dortmund and Bayern has increased. It's the Bundesliga, it's a match of the round on Saturday,” Lahm told AFP.
“There is a lot at stake, especially for Dortmund, because the Champions League is the minimum goal they want to achieve.”
Lahm welcomed Leverkusen's challenge, saying, “It is very, very important that the Bundesliga is exciting again and that someone can push Bayern forward or take over.”
In an illustrious 659-game career, Lahm faced more Dortmund than any other opponent. He captained Bayern to a 2–1 victory over their rivals in the 2013 Champions League Final.
Since that match, Bayern have won 23 out of 32 games between the clubs.
Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus told AFP he backed his former team to continue their recent dominance.
“The title race is over for Bayern Munich. This game is more important for Borussia Dortmund, but Bayern's DNA is to win every game – and they will do it again.”
One to watch: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane is fit and ready to face Dortmund after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of England's friendlies in March.
In his first 'Classic' appearance in November, Kane scored a hat-trick to demolish the home team.
Kane has 31 goals in 26 league games this season.
Dortmund manager Edin Terzic praised the striker on Thursday, telling reporters: “Harry Kane has excelled in his first Bayern season.
“As we saw firsthand, he is extremely important for them in attack. He has scored as many goals as our top three goalscorers combined.”
key figures
70 – Bayer Leverkusen have 70 points with eight games remaining. Last year, Bayern and Dortmund finished tied on 71 after 34 games, with the Bavarians winning the title on goal difference.
56 – Third-placed Stuttgart has 56 points after 26 games. In 2006–07 Stuttgart won the title with 70 points after 34 games.
13 – Struggling Darmstadt have only 13 points this season, just three more than 10, the worst ever set by one-season wonder Tasmania Berlin in 1965–66.
Fixtures (1430 GMT unless otherwise stated)
Saturday
Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Freiburg, Eintracht Frankfurt vs Union Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen vs Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig vs Mainz, Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund (17–30)
sunday
Augsburg vs. Cologne, Stuttgart vs. Heidenheim (1630), Bochum vs. Darmstadt (1830)
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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