3 of the Best Der Klassiker Clashes Since the Turn of the Century

When Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich face off in Der Klassiker, it’s more than just a game—it’s a battle for pride, glory, and, often, dominance in German football. Over the years, this clash has produced unforgettable moments, breathtaking goals, and intense drama that define football rivalries. From title-deciders to humiliating defeats and nail-biting finishes, here are three of the most iconic Der Klassiker clashes.

1) Borussia Dortmund 1–2 Bayern Munich (Champions League Final 2013) 

Let’s kick things off with the highest-stakes Klassiker of all time: the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final. It was a monumental moment—not just for German football but for European football as well. For the first time in history, the Champions League final was contested by two Bundesliga giants. The backdrop couldn’t have been more compelling. Dortmund had stunned the football world under Jürgen Klopp, who crafted a team brimming with energy and talent, from Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus to İlkay Gündoğan. On the other side, Bayern Munich were out for redemption after their heartbreaking defeat to Chelsea in the 2012 final. 

Played at Wembley Stadium, this was a pulsating 90 minutes that lived up to the hype. Dortmund started brighter, pressing with their trademark intensity. Manuel Neuer’s heroics in the first half kept Bayern alive, making crucial saves to deny Lewandowski and Jakub Błaszczykowski. Bayern struck first in the second half through Mario Mandžukić after an excellent assist from Arjen Robben, but Dortmund hit back quickly. Gündoğan coolly converted a penalty after Dante’s clumsy foul on Marco Reus. The game seemed destined for extra time, but in the dying moments, Robben—a man with his fair share of big-game heartbreaks—delivered the killer blow. Sneaking past Dortmund’s defense, he slotted the ball into the net to seal Bayern’s 2-1 win. 

Why this game is iconic: 

• It marked Bayern’s fifth Champions League triumph and solidified their treble-winning season under Jupp Heynckes. 
• For Dortmund, it was heartbreak but also a testament to Klopp’s tactical brilliance, as they pushed one of Europe’s strongest-ever teams to their limits. 
• Robben’s winning goal remains one of the most replayed moments in European football history. 

2) Borussia Dortmund 5–2 Bayern Munich (DFB-Pokal Final 2012) 

Rewind a year to 2012, and you’ll find one of Dortmund’s finest moments—a match that perfectly encapsulated the rivalry’s intensity and unpredictability. Bayern came into the DFB-Pokal final eager for revenge, having lost both Bundesliga meetings to Dortmund that season. However, what unfolded in Berlin was nothing short of a footballing masterclass from Klopp’s side. This match was more than just a cup final—it was a statement game for Dortmund. Having beaten Bayern twice in the league that season, Dortmund wanted to assert their dominance and complete their first-ever domestic double. Bayern, on the other hand, sought revenge and a morale boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League final. 

Dortmund made their intentions clear from the start, taking the lead in just the third minute through Shinji Kagawa after Bayern’s defense failed to clear a loose ball. Bayern equalized in the 25th minute via an Arjen Robben penalty, but Mats Hummels restored Dortmund’s lead with a penalty of his own following Jerome Boateng’s foul on Jakub Błaszczykowski. Just before halftime, Robert Lewandowski pounced on a defensive error to make it 3–1. The second half was a Lewandowski show. He added two more goals to complete his hat trick, leaving Bayern humiliated. Franck Ribéry’s late goal was scant consolation for Bayern in a 5–2 thrashing. 

Why this game is iconic: 

• This match was a defining moment of Klopp’s Dortmund era, showcasing their fearless, attacking style. 
• The 5–2 scoreline remains one of the most shocking in Klassiker history, especially given Bayern’s status as perennial favorites. 
• Lewandowski’s hat trick against his future club highlighted his clinical ability and further cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s best strikers. 

3) Bayern Munich 4–2 Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga 2021) 

This game epitomized the modern era of Der Klassiker, featuring relentless attacking football, superstar performances, and Bayern’s knack for dramatic comebacks. Even though it was played in an empty Allianz Arena due to COVID-19 restrictions, the intensity and quality of the game were breathtaking. Bayern were chasing another Bundesliga title, but Dortmund, struggling for consistency that season, needed points to keep their top-four hopes alive. The game also symbolized the clash of two world-class strikers: Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. 

Dortmund exploded out of the blocks, and it was Erling Haaland who stole the show early on. The Norwegian scored twice in the opening nine minutes—a deflected effort and a brilliant curling strike—to give Dortmund a stunning 2–0 lead. But Bayern didn’t panic. Lewandowski, facing his former club, pulled one back in the 26th minute with a poacher’s finish before converting a penalty just before halftime to level the score at 2–2. 

The second half was a more measured affair as both sides traded chances. Dortmund looked set to hold on for a draw, but Bayern’s relentless pressure paid off in the dying minutes. Leon Goretzka fired home in the 88th minute to complete the comeback, and Lewandowski sealed his hat trick moments later, ensuring Bayern’s 4–2 victory. 

Why this game was memorable: 

• The game was a showcase of elite strikers, with Haaland and Lewandowski both demonstrating why they are two of the best in the world. 
• Bayern’s comeback from 2–0 down highlighted their championship mentality and attacking firepower. 
• Lewandowski’s hat trick, including his 31st league goal of the season, further solidified his status as a Bundesliga legend. 

Also Read: Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich – Bundesliga – Preview, Team News and Updates