Bayern recover from early shock to beat Dortmund in Der Klassiker
Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace as Bayern München recovered from an early deficit to defeat rivals Borussia Dortmund in 'Der Klassiker'.
| Robert Lewandowski. |
The hosts could hardly have hoped for a better start, with Julian Brandt breaking the deadlock just six minutes into the game. After receiving a perfect pass from Jude Bellingham, the 25-year-old took the ball past Alphonso Davies and fired into the top corner.
Bayern, however, hit back quickly through Robert Lewandowski with 10 minutes played. Thomas Müller blocked a pass from Mats Hummels near the halfway line, and the ball broke lose to the Polish international, who ran into the box and slipped a calm finish under Gregor Kobel.
Kingsley Coman gave Bayern the lead on the stroke of half-time as a clearance from Thomas Meunier hit Mats Hummels and landed at the feet of the French winger, whose shot deflected off Marco Reus and into the net.
Erling Haaland, making his first start since October after recently fighting his way back from an injury, found the equaliser just after the break, curling a shot off the post and in.
Dortmund felt they should have had a penalty in the 56th minute as Marco Reus went down in the box after a challenge from Lucas Hernandez, but the referee let play go on despite protests from the home side and crowd.
Although they didn't create much after the break, Bayern ended up as winners. The German champions were controversially awarded a penalty after Mats Hummels was adjudged to have handled in the box, and Lewandowski then stepped up to score from the spot.
Lewandowski's penalty goal resulted in a second yellow card for Dortmund coach Marco Rose after he expressed his dissatisfaction with the referee.
With their win – their seventh in a row over Dortmund – Bayern are now four points clear of their rivals at the top of the Bundesliga table.