26th April 2017 Kickoff: 1945hrs Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund – Football – Germany – DFB Pokal It was a week to forget for both these German powerhouses as they exited the Champions League at the quarter final stage. Bayern will consider themselves very unlucky to have lost out in extra time to holders Real Madrid as the game seemed to turn on the controversial dismissal of Arturo Vidal whilst Dortmund were well beaten by the surprise package of the tournament, Monaco, over two legs. It will be another disappointment for one of the clubs this week as they go head to head for a place in the final of the German Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t hide his disappointment after losing out to his former club last week and you can guarantee that it will be on his mind for a while yet. For Bayern, it’s another season without winning the competition and the last chance for stars Xabi Alonso and Phillip Lahm to do so before they retire this summer. The German champions will hope that the upcoming few days will bring some positivity as they bid to close in on another domestic double. A crunch clash with their old foes Dortmund will go a long way to determining how successful Ancelotti’s first season in charge will be ahead of what they hope will be an opportunity to retain the Bundesliga with an away game at strugglers Wolfsburg this weekend.
The shocking events leading up to Dortmund’s first leg against Monaco in the Champions League certainly appears to have had a lasting impact on some of the squad. Although the Ligue 1 outfit were good value for their win, the performances over the two legs from Dortmund was flat and uncharacteristic of their participation in the competition this season. On a brighter note from Thomas Tuchel’s men is the fact they have been able to resurrect their hopes of finishing in the top four and securing Champions League participation next season by winning three of their last four in the Bundesliga. They now have a one point lead in third place and will be favoured to finish there at worst. Whether that alone is seen as a successful season would be doubtful considering the money that was spent on strengthening the squad last summer, but a German Cup win would certainly end the season on a high.
Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund Betting Tip
It’s never dull when these two meet and the record so far this season is one apiece with both teams winning their home games in the league. The most recent of those matches was played earlier in the month and it was a resounding victory for Bayern. The fact that this semi final will be played in the Allianz Stadium will undoubtedly give Bayern the advantage and when you take into consideration the circumstance of the last fortnight, it is difficult to see Dortmund having what it takes to make it through to the final.
Dortmund’s defensive problems were there for all to see against Monaco over the two legs and having just been out for four against Bayern, Wednesday’s match has the potential to be another difficult one for them. Bayern have been formidable at home domestically this term and remain unbeaten against German opposition at the Allianz Arena. Ten of their wins in the league have been by two goals or more and it’s worth backing them to do similar again on against Dortmund.
Bayern -1 11/8 @ Betbright
