Beating Dortmund 'a mini title', says Bayern's Kompany

Vincent Kompany, the Bayern Munich manager, described the upcoming Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday as so significant that a win would feel like securing "a mini title".

With an eight point lead at the summit of the standings, Bayern could edge closer to retaining their Bundesliga championship by prevailing this weekend.

This encounter revives memories of the 2013 Champions League final, and 'Der Klassiker' has developed into an intensifying contest between Germany's premier football giants.

Dortmund squandered a two goal advantage from the first leg to exit the Champions League against Atalanta on Wednesday, yet a victory over Bayern would sustain their faint chances of silverware this term.

"It's a 'Klassiker'. In my view, it stands as a title by itself, regardless of claims that we have nothing left to fight for," Kompany remarked on Friday.

"In reality, such matches matter greatly to supporters, making it akin to a lesser title. I must not overlook that aspect. Consequently, triumphing there remains our utmost focus."

Bayern, suffering only one league defeat so far this season, previously overcame Dortmund 2-1 at home in Munich back in October, marking the visitors' sole loss to date.

Kompany noted that Bayern skipper and custodian Manuel Neuer is poised to recover from a calf problem.

"Manu is in fine form; we initially feared a extended absence. Still, I plan to converse with Manu once more about it."

Should he feature, this would mark Neuer's 45th outing versus Dortmund, possibly his final one, as the experienced Bayern stalwart's deal concludes this summer at age 40.