A storm is brewing in Munich as Bayern Munich face an unexpected defensive crisis just days before their highly anticipated clash with Borussia Dortmund — the Der Klassiker. The reigning Bundesliga champions suddenly find themselves short of options at full-back, and that could seriously shake up Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the weekend.
Injuries and suspensions have hit Bayern’s defense hard. Alphonso Davies is battling a muscle issue that may sideline him, while Noussair Mazraoui is still in recovery mode after a recent knock. To make matters worse, youngster Sacha Boey is not yet match-fit, leaving the German giants scrambling to find reliable options on the flanks. With just a few training sessions left before the big game, the question looms large — who will Tuchel trust to defend the wings against Dortmund’s lightning-fast attackers?
There’s growing talk that Tuchel could be forced to experiment. Veteran midfielder Joshua Kimmich might be pushed back into a defensive role, or Konrad Laimer could once again fill in at right-back, a position he has covered before. Another possibility is a tactical shift — a back three system that would allow Bayern to compensate for their lack of natural full-backs while maintaining width through the wingers.
But such changes come with risks. Facing Dortmund’s dynamic wingers like Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen without natural full-backs could be a dangerous gamble. The Klassiker is not just another match — it’s a battle for pride, momentum, and dominance in the Bundesliga title race.
Despite the mounting concerns, the mood at Säbener Straße remains cautiously optimistic. Bayern’s attacking firepower — led by Harry Kane, Leroy Sané, and Jamal Musiala — has been unstoppable this season. Tuchel’s men have shown they can outscore any opponent, but defense still wins championships, and the cracks at the back could be costly.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, one thing is clear — this edition of Der Klassiker promises drama, intensity, and tactical intrigue. Can Bayern overcome their defensive shortage and extend their dominance, or will Dortmund exploit the weakness and finally turn the tide?
All eyes will be on the Allianz Arena this weekend. And as always, when Bayern and Dortmund collide, expect nothing less than fireworks. ⚽️
