Kompany: The Klassiker is a title in itself

Vincent Kompany believes “the Klassiker is a title in itself” as his Bayern Munich side take on Borussia Dortmund in a huge clash in the Bundesliga title race.

Following BVB’s 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig last time out, Bayern managed to extend their lead at the Bundesliga summit to eight points ahead of their trip to Westfalenstadion.

Bayern are the Opta supercomputer’s favourite to lift the title in 2025-26, with the defending champions given a 99.2% chance of winning the Bundesliga to Dortmund’s 0.78%.

Kompany insisted that the result of this game will not impact their ambitions, but feels it will be a great event for the Bundesliga.

“It’s a Klassiker. That has its significance, and with it being a top-of-the-table clash at the moment, we can make it as big as it is,” said Kompany.

“I find that good. It’s important for the Bundesliga that it’s a big event – the teams shouldn’t have fear, but we need teams who say: I want to beat Dortmund.

“And Dortmund should think similarly. That’s what makes it so important, that’s how it should be.

“I can’t say how Dortmund feel. But for us, I’ve said from the beginning that the Klassiker is a title in itself.

“The truth is, these games are so important that they deserve their own little title. The result won’t change our mentality, we want to keep marching on.

“We’re on a good track and want to fight to keep it that way.”