Bayern Munich take big step toward another title by sinking Dortmund

Bayern Munich extended their lead atop the Bundesliga table to seven points by virtue of a 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the latest installment of Der Klassiker on Tuesday, taking another step toward capturing a record eighth consecutive Bundesliga title.

The lone goal of the match came from Joshua Kimmich. The versatile German showed off his delicate touch with a delightful chip from just outside the area in the 43rd minute, deciding a match that was played inside an empty Westfalenstadion due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Billed as a potentially high-scoring affair between the two sides that have looked sharpest since the Bundesliga returned from a two-month hiatus, it was instead a tight, evenly contested encounter.

Though Dortmund appeared quicker from the opening whistle – Erling Haaland had a chance after just 30 seconds – Bayern began to take control midway through the opening half. Their superiority culminated in Kimmich’s exquisite tally two minutes before the interval, as the German’s touch and some questionable goalkeeping from Roman Burki broke the deadlock.

Dortmund, who’ve now lost their last three league matches against Bayern by a combined score of 10-0, pressed in the second stanza but were largely held to hopeful efforts from outside the area.

Their greatest chance at an equalizer was also the game’s most contentious moment, as a shot from Haaland deflected off the back of Jerome Boateng’s arm and went behind for a corner kick. The referee decided not to consult the monitor and check VAR for a potential penalty.

With six matches remaining on the calendar, Bayern, who have now won seven straight league games on either side of the shutdown, sit on 64 points as they close in on yet another title.