Bayern v Dortmund: Unbeaten Klassiker rivals meet level on points as Kompany sits out

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund meet at the Allianz Arena on Saturday 31 October in a top-of-the-table Klassiker, with both clubs unbeaten and level on 17 points after seven Bundesliga matches. Kick-off is 6.30pm in Germany, which is 1.30am on Sunday 1 November in Malaysia (MYT). Bayern will be without head coach Vincent Kompany, who is recovering at home after a spell in hospital.

Kompany sidelined, Danks in charge

Kompany collapsed in training last week and was treated in hospital for what Bayern board member Max Eberl described to German broadcaster ARD as meningeal irritation. He had earlier been dealing with a viral infection and a hip problem. He has since been discharged, but Bayern have said his return could take weeks rather than days, according to reports.

Assistant coach Aaron Danks is running the team and oversaw Wednesday's 6-1 German Cup win over Magdeburg. Danks told reporters, as quoted by ESPN and the Associated Press, that the staff had been given clear instructions not to discuss football with Kompany during his recovery. He added that preparation for Dortmund had changed little.

Kane returns as Ballon d'Or winner

The match could also be Harry Kane's first Bundesliga appearance since he won the men's Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in London on Monday 26 October, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappe. Kane became the first English winner in 25 years, after a 2025/26 season in which UEFA says he scored 73 goals for club and country, finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer for a third straight season and helped Bayern to a domestic treble. ESPN reported he was likely to return to the line-up on Saturday.

Bayern still have injury problems. Pre-match previews list Luis Diaz and Jamal Musiala (both thigh) and captain Manuel Neuer (foot) as unavailable. Joshua Kimmich, who missed three matches on compassionate leave following the death of his father, is listed among Bayern's likely starters in previews.

Two unbeaten sides, very different numbers

The table shows how closely the two have matched each other on points, and how differently they got there:

• Bayern: played 7, won 5, drawn 2, lost 0; goals 25-6; 17 points
• Dortmund: played 7, won 5, drawn 2, lost 0; goals 12-4; 17 points

Bayern lead on goal difference (+19 against +8) thanks to their attacking output, while Niko Kovac's Dortmund have the best defensive record in Europe's top five leagues, having conceded only four goals. Kovac said his side are getting closer to Bayern, according to The National. Freiburg and Leverkusen are next in the table on 13 points; Leverkusen host Stuttgart and Freiburg visit Augsburg earlier on Saturday.

Saturday's game is the 141st Bundesliga meeting between the clubs, according to figures cited from Bayern's official website.

European form

Both clubs arrive from busy weeks. Bayern drew 2-2 with Arsenal in the Champions League on 21 October, before the cup win over Magdeburg. Dortmund also progressed in the German Cup in midweek, beating Werder Bremen.

Key takeaways

• Bayern v Dortmund kicks off at 6.30pm in Germany on Saturday 31 October, 1.30am Sunday in Malaysia.
• Both clubs are unbeaten on 17 points; Bayern lead on goal difference.
• Vincent Kompany is recovering at home and assistant Aaron Danks takes charge.
• Harry Kane, who won the Ballon d'Or on 26 October, is expected to return.
• Dortmund have conceded only four league goals, the fewest in Europe's top five leagues.

FAQ

Q: What time is Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund in Malaysia? A: 1.30am MYT on Sunday 1 November (6.30pm in Germany on Saturday 31 October).

Q: Why is Vincent Kompany not coaching Bayern against Dortmund? A: He collapsed in training and was treated in hospital for meningeal irritation. He is recovering at home and Bayern have kept him away from football matters.

Q: Who is top of the Bundesliga? A: Bayern, on goal difference. Both Bayern and Dortmund have 17 points from seven games.

Sources: ESPN, Associated Press, The National, UEFA, Bundesliga.com, Yahoo Sports