Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund: Bayern turn the screws and take the lead
Bayern slowed the match tempo way down from the opening whistle of the half, and patiently ground away at Dortmund before finally taking the lead on a goal from Mario Mandzukic.
It was more of the same in terms of Dortmund looking comfortable and in control as the second half opened up. Bayern's wing play has been nearly non-existent with Philipp Lahm struggling to get involved and Franck Ribery being borderline invisible.
But things would change.
Bayern finally had their first real good spell of possession in the Dortmund even about seven minutes into the half. BVB reacted perfectly, though, pulling back into a well-organized defensive formation and letting Bayern pass around. When they finally sent a pass into the area, Mats Hummels was all over the play and earned a goal kick to clear the danger.
Javi Martinez had the first good chance of the half on a close-range header off a corner, but again Roman Weidenfeller was up to the task.
Finally, in the 60th minute, Bayern broke through. Arjen Robben took control near the end line on the left side, brought the ball back perfectly and centered to Mandzukic for the wide-open tap-in to give Bayern a 1-0 lead. Dortmund were to blame for the goal after three defenders over-pursued the ball, allowing Robben into open space on the left edge on the box.
