Dortmund takes on Bayern but will der Klassiker live up to its name?

Der Klassiker is in danger of not living up to its name. The growing gulf between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund means German soccer’s showpiece presents more of an opportunity for Bayern to display its superiority than for Dortmund to mount a genuine challenge to the Bavarian powerhouse. Dortmund hosts Bayern on Saturday for a meeting of the Bundesliga’s top two, but it’s unlikely to have any impact on the title race.

By CIARÁN FAHEY