Jozua Kimmihs un Harijs Keins | Foto: INA FASSBENDER / AFP
Bayern Munich claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s “Der Klassiker,” taking a significant step toward another Bundesliga title. Joshua Kimmich secured the late winner in the 87th minute.
Harry Kane continued his dominant form for Bayern, scoring twice to bring his Bundesliga tally to an impressive 30 goals in 24 league matches this season. He leads the league by a considerable margin, with teammates Luis Diaz and Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav trailing with 13 goals apiece.
Dortmund initially took the lead in the 26th minute when Nico Schlotterbeck headed home a free-kick.
Despite a lively first half with chances for both sides, no further goals were scored before the break. However, the deadlock was broken early in the second half, as Kane leveled the score in the 54th minute, and then converted a penalty 16 minutes later.
Dortmund refused to surrender, with Daniel Svensson equalizing in the 83rd minute after a cross from former Bayern midfielder Marcel Zabitzer. But Kimmich ultimately had the final say, scoring a stunning volley reminiscent of Svensson’s goal, though with considerably more power and using his weaker left foot.
The loss ended Borussia Dortmund’s 16-match unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga, while Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points with ten matches remaining.
Elsewhere, third-placed Hoffenheim suffered an unexpected defeat, losing 1-0 at home to St. Pauli. In other Bundesliga action, Werder Bremen defeated Heidenheim 2-0, Borussia Mönchengladbach edged past Union Berlin 1-0, and Bayer Leverkusen salvaged a 1-1 draw against Mainz.
England
Manchester City, the Premier League’s second-place team, secured a 1-0 away win against Leeds United thanks to a goal from Antoine Semenyo, a new addition during the winter transfer window. The Citizens were without Erling Haaland, who was ruled out at the last minute due to health concerns.
Liverpool scored three goals in the first half and defeated West Ham United 5-2 in a high-scoring encounter, while fellow Liverpool club Everton twice relinquished the lead but ultimately prevailed 3-2 against Newcastle United, who recently reached the Champions League round of 16 but are struggling in the league.
Burnley and Brentford combined for seven goals in a chaotic match, with the visitors racing to a 3-0 lead in 34 minutes before Burnley mounted a comeback to equalize.
Danish international Mikkel Damsgaard became the hero for Brentford, scoring the winning goal in the third minute of stoppage time. However, Brentford nearly suffered a shock as Burnley had a goal disallowed moments later due to a handball.
