Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Robert Lewandowski leads dominant win as champions regain top spot
Relive all the action as Niko Kovac’s side humiliated their opponents to take command in the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich stormed back to the top of the Bundesliga with a 5-0 rout of title rivals Borussia Dortmund.
The 100th league edition of ‘Der Klassiker’ was over by half-time as Mats Hummels, Robert Lewandowski, Javi Martinez and Serge Gnabry had the hosts 4-0 up at half-time.
Lewandowski then added a fifth in the final minute as Bayern sent out a message about their determination to reclaim the title.
The result puts Bayern, who were nine points adrift in December, top of the table by one point with six games remaining.
Relive all the action below.
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Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund.
There are just two points separating the sides at the top of the table as they head into one of the most hotly anticipated Der Klassiker derbies in memory.
If Dortmund can crack Bayern's fortress and take a five-point lead in the Bundesliga with six points remaining, it could be curtains in the title race.
“Second place is the first loser,” Bayern boss Niko Kovac declared defiantly. “We want to win.”
Dortmund manager Lucien Favre, though, has approached today's game with a more measured approach.
If we win, nothing is decided, if we draw, nothing is decided, if we lose nothing is decided. It’s completely open!
The biggest surprise by way of the starting line-ups comes in the absence of Mario Gotze, who has been relegated to the bench for the biggest game of the season. Lukas Piszczek, though, has rushed his return from injury and makes the starting XI.
Meanwhile, Javi Martinez returns for Bayern to reinforce the midfield in place of Leon Goretzka, while Serge Gnabry starts ahead of James Rodriguez.
The Independent Sports Editor, Ed Malyon, is at the Allianz Arena. Just five minutes until kick-off now.
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