The classic Head-to-Head | History and statistics of Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich

Introduction to derby

Der Klassiker is German football’s modern flagship rivalry,
spicy Borussia
Dortmund against Bayern
Munich in clashes that have repeatedly shaped the Bundesliga title
races, national cups and even European history. Unlike regional derbies
rooted in geography, this event is driven by sustained competition in the
very top of the game. From the 60s, and especially from the 90s,
Dortmund and Bayern have set the benchmark for intensity, quality and
anticipation in Germany, turning each meeting into a national event defined by
contrasting club cultures, tactical ideologies and star power.
((bundesliga.com)(

All-time head-to-head record

In all major competitive competitions: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal,
Super Cup and European ties – Borussia
Dortmund i Bayern
Munich more than a century of matches have faced each other,
producing one of the richest statistical profiles in German football. The
The balance of power has shifted between eras, but Bayern’s long-term consistency
gives them a clear overall advantage.

Totals are underlined Bayern
The one from Munich historical dominance, especially in periods of high scoring
where their attacking depth overflowed Dortmund
defenses Dortmund’s best periods came in spurts, particularly in the late 1990s and
early 2010s, while Bayern’s advantage has been consolidated on sustained victory
takes place over several decades. ((bundesliga.com)(

Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)

The most recent Klassiker meetings reflect a more competitive one
balance of what the historical record suggests. While Bayern
still have key cutting accessories, Dortmund
Each time the differences have been reduced thanks to the tactical discipline, to the improvement of the squad
depth and a greater willingness to take on Bayern at the top
tone

Recent patterns are shown Bayern
maintaining a strong home advantage, while Dortmund’s
the best results have come from disciplined and selective away performances
pressing Draws have become more frequent, targeting narrower margins,
fewer defensive collapses and an increasing emphasis on midfield control and
fixed part efficiency. ((bundesliga.com)(

Key players and rivalries by era

Classic era (1960s-1980s)

In the formative years of Der Klassiker, from Bavaria
The rise was driven by iconic figures such as Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller,
the authority and finish of which they set standards Dortmund
struggled to match. Dortmund, through players like Lothar Emmerich and
Sigfried Held, trusted more in the collective effort than in the individual
domain

Notable duels included Müller vs Dortmund’s
central defenders, and Beckenbauer dictating the game against Dortmund
industrious midfields: a clash of elegance against resistance.

Era of transition and renaissance (1990s-2000s)

Dortmund’s
revival in the 90s, directed by Matthias Sammer, Andreas Möller and Stéphane
Chapuisat, temporarily interrupted from Bavaria
control Bayern countered with leaders like Oliver Kahn, Lothar Matthäus
and Mehmet Scholl, creating encounters charged with emotions defined by
intensity and physicality.

Key rivalries saw Kahn at odds Dortmund’s
forwards and the great role of Sammer against from Bavaria
offensive midfielders, symbolizing the tactical battles of the time.

Modern Era (2010s to present)

The modern Klassiker has been modeled by Dortmund’s
high-energy pressing under Jürgen Klopp and from Bavaria
technical mastery through players like Thomas
Muller, manual
Neuer and Joshua Kimmich. Dortmund icons Marco
Reus, mats
Hummels i Robert
Lewandowski (in both colors) became central figures in the definition
narratives

Duels like Reus against Philipp Lahm, Lewandowski against ex
teammates and Hummels facing each other from Bavaria
the rotating forward line has consistently influenced results.

The spread of players through the eras highlights how Der Klassiker has done
evolved tactically, from rigid man-marking to fluid positional play, with
individual brightness often tilts otherwise equals
contests

Detailed H2H analysis

The head-to-head analysis shows from Bavaria
superiority is rooted less in isolated dominance and more in prolonged dominance
consistency Dortmund’s
the peaks have been sharp but shorter, while Bayern’s ability to regenerate
teams has maintained the pressure year after year. Discipline, team rotation
and decisive moments in both boxes repeatedly separate the sides, especially
in meetings that define the title. ((bundesliga.com)(

Key statistics and performance data

Statistical trends reinforce the tactical narratives surrounding him
Der Klassiker, which offers an insight into why results often depend on marginals
earnings

• Bayern score significantly more goals per meeting, as a reflection
  depth of attack
• Dortmund’s home wins are rarer but often decisive
  psychologically
• High card counts underscore the intensity and sustained rivalry
  border
• Game pieces have disproportionately influenced the key
  matches

Memorable matches and iconic moments

Der Klassiker’s reputation is built on moments that resonate
beyond individual seasons.

• October 1965: Dortmund’s first statement win
  Munich
• 1971: Bayern’s historic 11-1 win.
• May 1997: Bundesliga title-defining clash.
• May 2013: German Champions League final at
  Wembley.
• May 2020 – Title decision behind closed doors.
• Apr 2024: Dortmund’s decisive away win.

Evolution of the rivalry

The evolution of Der Klassiker reflects wider German football
development, moving from regional competition to global spectacle.
Financial power, youth development and tactical innovation have continuously
reshaped the rivalry, but its core remains unchanged: two clubs in measure
against the highest national standards. Like Bundesliga football
continues to evolve, Dortmund
versus Bayern
remains its defining reference. ((bundesliga.com)(

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Der
Classic?

The term reflects the state of the device as that of Germany
first modern rivalry.

Who has won the most matches
in general?

Bayern
Munich leads the all-time competitive record.

Is Der Klassiker a local?
derby?

No, it is defined by competitive success rather than
geography

Which competition presents it the most?
often?

The Bundesliga accounts for the most meetings.

Have they met in Europe?

Yes, especially in UEFA Champions League 2013
end

Why are recent matches more
balanced?

Dortmund’s
tactical maturity and squad depth have reduced the gap.