Bayern Munich Overruns Borussia Dortmund 4-2 in Der Klassiker to Reclaim Top Spot in Bundesliga

Bayern Munich dominated the match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, winning 4-2 in Der Klassiker. The first 23 minutes saw three goals from Bayern, which helped them reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga and gave new coach Thomas Tuchel a winning start.

The Bavarians, who are set to face Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinals on April 11, took the lead on 55 points, leaving Dortmund two behind in second place with only eight matches remaining.

With Tuchel, who also coached Dortmund from 2015-2017, replacing Julian Nagelsmann on the Bayern bench, the hosts were all over their title rivals from the start.

Kobel’s 13th-minute howler handed Bayern the advantage, as he completely miskicked his attempt to clear a Dayot Upamecano punt from the Bayern half and saw the ball roll into the net for an own goal. Five minutes later, Bayern scored again with Thomas Muller turning the ball in with his hip at the far post after a Joshua Kimmich corner was headed on by Matthijs de Ligt in the 18th-minute.

Dortmund’s misery continued when goalkeeper Gregor Kobel punched a Leroy Sane shot into the path of Muller to score an easy tap-in. Kingsley Coman then raced in to slot their fourth goal in six minutes after the restart.

Bayern’s attack was relentless, and their defence impenetrable as they maintained their lead throughout the match. Some sloppy finishing in the second half saw them squander several golden opportunities before Dortmund managed to pull back two goals. An Emre Can penalty in the 72nd minute and a stoppage-time effort from Donyell Malen restored some pride for the visitors but were not enough to prevent Bayern from securing their victory.

Thomas Tuchel, who previously coached Paris St Germain and Chelsea, could not have hoped for a better start with Bayern. The team is now on course for a record-stretching 11th league crown. Union Berlin secured their place in third on 51 points after a 3-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart.

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