Die Roten failed to extend their lead at the top of the table as they were held to a 2-2 draw by their struggling rivals on Saturday night
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Bayern fail to capitalise on Bayer Leverkusen drawHarry Kane misses late chance to win derbyVincent Kompany's side remain six points clearFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesTELL ME MORE
Bayern began the derby with the intention of building their lead at the top of the Bundesliga, with nearest rivals Bayer Leverkusen being held to a 0-0 draw by Union Berlin earlier on Saturday. However, a lack of end product prevented either side from opening the scoring in the first half, despite Michael Olise looking sharp on the ball with Thomas Muller and Harry Kane waiting for service in the middle.
Josip Stanisic headed over the bar while Olise tested Gregor Kobel when played through, but it was Kane who had the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes, seeing his fierce shot batted away by the visiting goalkeeper minutes before the half-time whistle was blown.
Dortmund had threatened in spurts but it was still a shock when they opened the scoring in the 48th minute. Niko Kovac's side raced away on the counter-attack and Maximilian Beier arrived at the back post to out-jump Kim Min-jae and head in Julian Ryerson's deep cross.
Shocked to be behind, Vincent Kompany made changes from the bench and was so nearly rewarded with an equaliser when substitute Raphael Guerreiro's cross was almost put into his own net by Waldemar Anton, the ball looping over Kobel and onto the crossbar. It was Guerreiro who finally netted the goal Bayern's dominance deserved as he whipped in Muller's lay-off in the 65th minute.
Things got even better soon after when substitute Serge Gnabry drove down the left, evading some limp Dortmund challenges, and fired Bayern into the lead with a cool finish into the bottom corner. However, Dortmund responded almost instantly as Bayern failed to clear their lines from a corner and Anton prodded in after Jonas Urbig's last-ditch save.
Kane struggled to make the most of his opportunities throughout the game and missed a gilt-edged chance to put Bayern ahead again, seeing his volley hit the post when he could have stooped to head it in. No winner arrived as both teams had to settle for a 2-2 draw, with Bayern missing a glorious opportunity to all-but wrap up the title.
AdvertisementAFPTHE MVP
Bayern had fallen behind by the time Gnabry was introduced from the bench and it was the Germany international who put the hosts into a strong position. The winger was involved in the first goal as Guerreiro curled in and then took advantage of some statue-esque defending to put Bayern into the lead. It didn't prove enough for the win, but Gnabry's contribution was greater than what either Olise or Leroy Sane could offer.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
After his big miss against Inter in the Champions League in midweek, Kane would have been desperate to make his mark in Der Klassiker, especially after defending title holders Leverkusen dropped points earlier on Saturday. However, the England captain spurned his two best opportunities from close range and wasn't at his sharpest with the ball at his feet, completing only 70% of his attempted passes.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
After this draw, Bayern now look ahead to the second leg of their Champions League quarter final against Inter, having suffered a 2-1 defeat at home in the first fixture earlier this week. Dortmund also have a deficit to overturn, having been beaten heavily by Barcelona.
