Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich salvaged a late 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in a dramatic Klassiker on Saturday, thanks to an 85th-minute equalizer from the ever-reliable Jamal Musiala.
The result sees Bayern extend their lead at the top to seven points.
Dortmund, riding high on a six-game home winning streak in the league, broke the deadlock in the 27th minute through a spectacular solo effort from Jamie Gittens.
The hosts’ joy, however, was tempered shortly after when Bayern’s prolific striker Harry Kane was forced off the pitch with an injury in the 33rd minute, casting doubt over his availability for next week’s German Cup clash against defending champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite a flawless defensive record across their previous seven matches in all competitions, Bayern struggled in the first half but found their rhythm after the break. They created several chances yet failed to convert until Musiala’s decisive intervention.
“We’re annoyed with the first half because we did not play the way we had wanted. We improved in the second half but we would have liked to score earlier,” said Bayern’s Thomas Mueller.
Mueller, who replaced Kane, nearly turned the game around moments into the second half, only to be denied by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
“I had a chance, (Dortmund keeper) Gregor (Kobel) did well to close the space. Leroy also had an opportunity. Overall the draw is in order,” he added.
Dortmund suffered another setback early in the game, losing defender Waldemar Anton to injury in the 17th minute.
Nevertheless, Gittens capitalized on their first real opportunity, shaking off Konrad Laimer and firing a powerful shot past Manuel Neuer for his fourth goal of the season.
Bayern’s response was gradual. Musiala’s low, curling shot from distance tested Kobel, while Leroy Sane squandered a golden opportunity from close range. Marcel Sabitzer nearly doubled Dortmund’s advantage, but Neuer’s sharp reflexes kept Bayern in contention.
With time running out, Musiala delivered the equalizer, nodding in a pinpoint cross from Michael Olise for his sixth league goal.
The result keeps Bayern unbeaten in the league, sitting comfortably on 30 points. Dortmund, meanwhile, stay fifth with 20 points, as Eintracht Frankfurt prepare for their Sunday fixture at Heidenheim.
