Bayern win thrilling Der Klassiker

Bayern Munich triumphed in one of the most entertaining games of the season so far to win 3-2 away to Borussia Dortmund

Action: Supporters at the Signal Iduna Park were able to enjoy a truly classic Der Klassiker, which began as a 100mph game that only rarely took its foot off the pedal. 

There were just five minutes gone when Judge Bellingham found Julian Brandt to put a lovely right-footed finish past Manuel Neuer and give Borussia Dortmund an early lead.

But that lead didn't last long. Mats Hummels was robbed in the centre circle by Thomas Müller, with Robert Lewandowski taking over responsibilities and clinically finishing past Gregor Kobel.

The ball was going from one end to another in a blistering first half that Bayern managed to take the lead of just before half-time. It was another defensive mistake for Dortmund as Raphael Guerreiro's clearance in his own box ricocheted off Hummels into the path of Kingsley Coman, who finished emphatically. 

©Getty / picture alliance

However, Dortmund hit back immediately after the break. The impressive Bellingham found Erling Haaland who pulled off a truly sublime finish with his right foot to curve one around the outstretched Neuer. It's apparently his weakest foot.

The game did slow down after that, but only a little. Perhaps it was the frantic pace that resulted in a horrific-looking clash of heads between Dayot Upamecano and Brandt in the 66th minute that left the Dortmund player motionless on the floor. It was an anxious few moments as the players gestured for the physios to quickly help. Thankfully, Brandt was eventually awake and sitting up as he was stretched off the field.

The deciding goal eventually came in the 77th minute when Lewandowski converted from the penalty spot. VAR noticed a handball by Hummels in the area as the defender cleared a Bayern corner. The call was harsh, but probably fair although Dortmund weren't happy. Die Borussen coach Marco Rose was sent off for his protests.

There was still time for some more drama. Due to the injury to Brandt and the VAR penalty call the referee added 10 minutes of added time. Dortmund sent their goalkeeper forward for a 98th minute that Bayern cleared that lead to Corentin Tolisso having the ball, yards of space, an open goal in front of him, and plenty of support. The French midfielder eventually took a shot about 40 yards away from the empty net in what eventually was a huge anti-climax as his effort slowly trickled wide.

Big Picture: This result gives Julian Nagelsmann's team a four-point lead ahead of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table. There's always a minimum margin for error in these big encounters and it could prove to be a crucial result at the end of the season.

Man of the Match: Jude Bellingham created both of Borussia Dortmund's goals and looked like a seasoned professional once again.

Stat of the Day:

8 - Robert Lewandowski has scored at least two goals in a single Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund for the eighth time. This is the most times any player has scored at least twice in a match against a single opponent in the competition. Double. #BVBFCB pic.twitter.com/fAFzsI0u9m

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) December 4, 2021