FC Bayern enters the Bundesliga classic against Borussia Dortmund as the favorite. Michael Rummenigge also sees the roles clearly defined ahead of Saturday’s showdown. The former pro, who played for both the record champions and BVB, expects a difficult evening for the Black and Yellows and speaks plainly about Munich’s current strength.
Rummenigge believes FC Bayern has better players in nearly every position. “Bayern is stronger than Borussia in every position, including the substitutes, and with the exception of Felix Nmecha, the best German pros are also wearing the Munich jersey,” he said.
His prediction is correspondingly pessimistic: “I don’t think Dortmund will come away with any points,” Rummenigge told *kicker*.
The 62-year-old sees problems with Dortmund primarily in their style of play. In his view, the team plays too defensively and is also too dependent on goals from Serhou Guirassy. Against the record champions’ offensive quality, that could prove to be a decisive disadvantage.
However, Rummenigge would certainly welcome an exciting title race. “It would be great for the Bundesliga if Dortmund won and stayed in the race as long as possible. That probably wouldn’t change anything in terms of Bayern winning the title again,” he explains. A victory for Borussia could still at least add some extra excitement to the championship race.
BVB “could concede four or five goals again”
Rummenigge is particularly blunt when it comes to how the game might unfold. If Dortmund plays too cautiously, the team could be in for an unpleasant evening at the Allianz Arena. “If they’re too timid, they could concede four or five goals again,” warns the former Bundesliga pro.
In the past, the record champions have frequently celebrated lopsided victories against BVB—between 2015 and 2023, Bayern scored four or more goals in front of their home crowd on seven occasions.
In recent years, however, the tide has turned somewhat. In 2024, BVB won 2-0 in Munich; in 2025, the match ended in a 2-2 draw; and last season, Munich narrowly prevailed 2-1.
On Saturday (6:30 p.m.), the two teams will face off again in Munich. For FC Bayern, the goal is to solidify their lead at the top of the table and keep their direct rivals at bay. Rummenigge expects a clear-cut victory for the record champions—whether BVB can defy his gloomy prediction remains to be seen on the field.