2016 German clasico: A final on 11th round of matches

The 2016 German "clasico" could not be more exciting for millions of football fans around the globe. Only 11 games into the Bundesliga season and it is time for the two German heavyweights to trade blows.

The duel between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich this Saturday is likely to have a massive influence on the title race. Should Bayern win, they would open up a nine-point gap on their old rival. Should Dortmund win, they would be only three points behind and back breathing down the Bavarian's neck.

Looking at the league table, there are four clubs in a better position than fifth-placed Dortmund. But neither league newcomer RB Leipzig in second nor the third best team (TSG Hoffenheim) or Hertha BSC in fourth are regarded as being strong enough to be remain a serious contender right up until the season comes to a crunch. "Winning in Dortmund is very difficult. It's why it's a very special challenge game with the greatest amount of enjoyment factor," said Bayern striker Thomas Mueller.

The two 2013 Champions League finalists have dominated German football in recent years and there will be more than just three points at stake when they take to the pitch on Saturday. Dortmund and Bayern currently find themselves in a worldwide battle for the fans' affection. The latest edition in their rivalry will be broadcasted in over 200 countries.

After years, when both clubs maintained a rather problematic relationship with constant verbal attacks, the current atmosphere is dominated by respect and collaboration. Both club bosses, Hans-Joachim Watzke (Dortmund) and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern) regard it as being important to work together as much as possible for the sake of German football. It is no secret that both expect to benefit in the international markets. "We' ve created a German clasico and it's helpful for the both of us," said Rummenigge while Watzke added. "It doesn't help anyone if we're constantly fighting."

Bayern (523.7 million euro) and Dortmund (376) together earnt over a third of the total 2.62 billion revenue of the 18 Bundesliga clubs.

Despite the new business driven relationship, millions of fans are eagerly awaiting a game that continually serves up nail-biting football. None of the two can take the favorite`s role for granted. Bayern are undefeated in their last seven games in Dortmund (4 victories/3 draws) but are currently having to get to grips with a new coach after Italian Carlo Ancelotti took over the job last summer. Dortmund lately have failed to beat a few less-fancied teams in the Bundesliga and have lost close contact to the table-toppers. The game against Bayern could be their last chance to strike back and catch up.

Dortmund last lost a home 26 games ago when they were defeated 1-0 by Munich in April 2015. "In the long run in German football, I can only see Borussia as a serious competitor for Bayern," said former Dortmund midfielder Sebastian Kehl.

Of the 53 games against Bayern at home, Dortmund have managed to beat their rival 16 times and Bayern walked off with the win on 17 occasions. The fans also 20 mostly intense and fascinating draws as the German clasico is always was far from being boring.

"We're aware that should we lose then, many teams, including Dortmund, will be right on our heels," said Bayern´s central defender Mats Hummels who last summer joined Bayern after eight years in Dortmund. Mario Goetze, on the other hand made the reverse journey when returning to his old stomping ground in Dortmund.

This time Borussia will most likely be able to put its hopes on striker Marco Reus who will return to action after being out of the game for six months with an injury. In 108 league games with Reus in their squad Dortmund have won an average of 1.96 points. When Reus was sidelined the yellow and blacks only won an average of 1.76. Next to striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 27-year old Reus is regarded as the man to give the side extra quality.

"Marco is dying to get back on the pitch, he is burning with desire," Dortmund's managing director Michael Zorc said. Whether comebacker Reus is among the starting eleven or will be sent onto the pitch later on in the game is yet to be decided.

As for Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), fans can expect both to be on the pitch at kick-off. Both stand for the best striking quality in the Bundesliga. Last season the Pole Lewandowski won the goal-scoring trophy (30 goals) ahead of Aubameyang (25).

In this Saturday's game, fans hope for an entertaining goal-scoring contest in the 90 minutes. Currently Aubameyang (11 goals) is leading the goal scorer table with Lewandowski in the chasing pack on seven. "For us the game is the opportunity to get closer to the leaders. We' ll be ready," Aubameyang said. Enditem