Musiala rescues point for Bayern Munich at Borussia Dortmund

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Jamal Musiala’s 85th-minute header rescued a 1-1 draw for Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich against Der Klassiker rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Jamie Gittens had given Dortmund the lead in the first half, but Musiala’s equaliser preserved Bayern’s unbeaten league record this season and extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

Earlier in the day, Bayer Leverkusen’s victory over Union Berlin reduced Bayern’s cushion at the summit, while Eintracht Frankfurt could narrow the gap further to four points if they defeat Heidenheim on Sunday.

Dortmund climbed back above Freiburg, who had won earlier, into fifth place, but they remain 10 points adrift of the leaders.

This edition of Der Klassiker, a clash between the Bundesliga’s best home and away teams, lived up to its billing, with Bayern starting brightly.

However, Dortmund settled into the match and took the lead in the 27th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Gittens.

With Bayern’s defence pushed high, Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck released Gittens with a perfectly weighted pass. The 20-year-old Englishman left Konrad Laimer trailing with a deft stepover, surged down the left flank, and slotted the ball expertly past Manuel Neuer.

The goal marked the first Bayern had conceded since 23 October, ending a streak of eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.

Bayern’s troubles worsened shortly after when Harry Kane was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury, adding to their concerns.

Neuer kept Bayern in contention with a vital save just after the hour, denying Marcel Sabitzer from close range after Max Beier’s incisive play created a golden opportunity.

Bayern dominated possession in the second half but struggled to translate their control into goals until Musiala stepped up late on.

Leroy Sané’s free-kick was deflected by the Dortmund wall but found its way to Michael Olise, whose precise cross was met by Musiala’s clinical header to secure a point for the visitors.