Bayern vs. Dortmund: Explaining ‘Der Klassiker’ History and All-Time Results
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, two of the most successful clubs in German football, have a storied rivalry that captivates fans. Their encounters have become renowned as ‘Der Klassiker,’ a term translating to ‘The Classic.’ This fixture has consistently played a crucial role in the Bundesliga title race, drawing massive crowds and electric atmospheres.
Understanding Der Klassiker
The rivalry between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund transcends geographic proximity. Bayern is based in the south of Germany, while Dortmund is situated in the northwest. Both clubs first contested a match in 1965, but it was during the 1990s that their rivalry intensified. Dortmund’s triumph in clinching their inaugural Bundesliga title marked a turning point.
Historical Context and Key Moments
- In 1997, Borussia Dortmund famously defeated Juventus in the Champions League final, becoming only the third German club to win the title.
- The rivalry intensified further with memorable clashes in the late 1990s, featuring dramatic moments, especially involving Bayern’s goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
- A landmark match took place in 2013 when both clubs faced off in the UEFA Champions League final, with Bayern emerging victorious 2-1.
- Player transfers, notably Robert Lewandowski’s move to Bayern in 2014, have fueled tensions between the clubs.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Bayern Munich has had the upper hand in Bundesliga encounters, going unbeaten against Dortmund since 2018. However, matches in the DFB Supercup and UEFA Champions League have shown a more balanced competition.
| Competition | Games | Bayern Wins | Dortmund Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 113 | 55 | 26 | 32 |
| DFB-Pokal | 116 | 62 | 23 | 31 |
| DFB-Ligapokal | 22 | 20 | 0 | 2 |
| DFB-Supercup | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| UEFA Champions League | 31 | 11 | 11 | 9 |
| Total | 138 | 68 | 33 | 37 |
Recent Match Results
The following are the outcomes of recent Bundesligas encounters between the two clubs:
- Oct 18, 2025: Bayern 2 – 1 Dortmund
- Apr 12, 2025: Bayern 2 – 2 Dortmund
- Nov 30, 2024: Dortmund 1 – 1 Bayern
- Mar 30, 2024: Bayern 0 – 2 Dortmund
- Nov 4, 2023: Dortmund 0 – 4 Bayern
- Apr 1, 2023: Bayern 4 – 2 Dortmund
- Oct 8, 2022: Dortmund 2 – 2 Bayern
- Apr 23, 2022: Bayern 3 – 1 Dortmund
- Dec 4, 2021: Dortmund 2 – 3 Bayern
- Aug 17, 2021: Dortmund 1 – 3 Bayern (DFB Supercup)
Der Klassiker not only signifies a fierce competition but also embodies the spirit and culture of German football. With both clubs consistently performing at a high level, future encounters promise to be just as thrilling as the historic matches that preceded them.
