Bayern v BVB: Kane, Díaz & co – key battles in the top clash | OneFootball

When FC Bayern hosts Borussia Dortmund this evening (6:30 p.m., live on Sky), the commanding league leaders face their closest chasers. Only four points separate the two teams— a Munich win could already represent a small preliminary decision in the title race. After years of dominance at the Allianz Arena, BVB has recently shown they’ve learned to hold their own in Munich: from their last two visits, the Black-and-Yellows took four points.

But to stop Bayern’s run, it will take near-perfect individual performances. We look at the duels that could decide victory or defeat.

Who can stop Serhou Guirassy

Photo: IMAGO

Bayern’s center-back duo has clicked: Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah form the stable core of a defense that ranks among Europe’s best both physically and tactically. Both are uncompromising, strong in challenges, and precise in their buildup play.

Today, however, a true acid test awaits. Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund’s top striker, combines power, technique, and finishing—everything that gives defenders sleepless nights. The Guinean was recently carrying a knock, but he’ll be eager to flourish again against FC Bayern. In shooting positions he’s deadly—a task that will particularly test Tah.

Konrad Laimer vs. Karim Adeyemi

On Bayern’s right side, Konrad Laimer will face one of the league’s most explosive players: Karim Adeyemi. The Munich-born winger is in top form at BVB, combining pace with purpose and currently ranking among Dortmund’s most dangerous threats.

Laimer, one of Bayern’s most consistent performers this season, will likely be tested primarily defensively against the lightning-quick winger. In the last Klassiker in Dortmund (1-1), the Austrian struggled with Jamie Gittens—an experience he won’t want to repeat on Saturday. “He has improved a lot,” Kompany recently praised his all-rounder, who has impressed both at right and left back. Against Adeyemi it will come down to anticipation and timing in the duel—once the Dortmund man has space, he’s almost unstoppable.

Luis Díaz vs. Julian Ryerson

Photo: IMAGO/HMB-Media

With Luis Díaz, FC Bayern hit the jackpot in the summer. The Colombian already has 13 goal contributions in 14 competitive matches and constantly disrupts defenses with his unpredictability. In the last match against Frankfurt, Díaz was the “Man of the Match”—now Julian Ryerson awaits, a strong tackler but defensively tied down.

Ryerson will try together with Waldemar Anton to double up on the in-form Díaz and stifle his dribbles. But the Bayern winger has shown in recent weeks that he remains calm under pressure. His interplay with Michael Olise on the right could become a problem for Dortmund’s defense.

Harry Kane vs. Nico Schlotterbeck

The duel of superlatives: Harry Kane, the Bundesliga’s top scorer with 21 goals in 13 games, meets Dortmund’s defensive leader Nico Schlotterbeck. The Germany international, as the central man in the back three, will try to restrict Kane’s sphere of influence—one of the toughest tasks in European football.

Kane is far more than a classic penalty-box striker. The Englishman drops deep, collects the ball, and initiates attacks himself, only to finish them off coldly—like in the 5-0 against HSV. To stop the Bayern star, Schlotterbeck will need support from midfield, especially from Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha, who must close the spaces Kane exploits between the lines.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.