Bruised Bayern Draw With Dortmund
Bayern Munich paid a heavy price at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night. Borussia Dortmund salvaged a late draw in Der Klassiker, and Bayern also lost Ismael Saibari, Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise to injury.
Bayern-Dortmund Trade Blows
Bayern were the better side for long spells. Konrad Laimer put them ahead in the first half and Dayot Upamecano restored their lead in the second, but Dortmund hit back both times. Serhou Guirassy levelled in the 60th minute, and Fabio Silva rescued the point late on. Laimer was voted Man of the Match.
Read on: Brighton 1-0 Man City: Seagulls Stun the Leaders and Blow the Title Race Open
Woodwork Denies Bayern A Win
The frustrating part for Bayern was the finishing. Olise was denied by the woodwork early on, Harry Kane smashed a second-half penalty against the crossbar and later hit the upright, and Lennart Karl’s late strike also clipped the bar. Bayern struck the woodwork four times. Lady Luck had deserted the Bavarians for a while.
The Injury Blow
Saibari and Gnabry were forced off within three minutes of each other in the first half, and Olise went off late with an apparent injury. Saibari came off worse in a collision with Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel and left the stadium on crutches, while Gnabry and Olise appeared to pick up muscle problems. Yahoo’s recap lists an ankle injury for Saibari and a thigh problem for Gnabry. Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said afterwards that the club couldn’t yet say how serious they were. Laimer admitted the losses threw the team off their game.
Also Read: McDonald’s and FIFA Part Ways After 32 Years
The Larger Canvass
The draw leaves both sides on 18 points, with Bayern still top on goal difference. Dortmund stay unbeaten, but they were fortunate to leave with a point. For Bayern, the bigger worry is the timing, with a Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid looming and an attack suddenly short of options. Before that, they travel to Mainz on 7 November.
Verdict
Bayern: dominant but wasteful, and now facing an anxious wait on three key attackers. Dortmund: ruthless, lucky, and still unbeaten.
Explore: Why the San Antonio Spurs Could Become NBA Championship Contenders