Old Rivalries Reignited as Hamburg Welcomes Dortmund in Bundesliga Classic

Back in the day, a match between Hamburg and Dortmund would’ve generated tremendous interest as these two teams used to compete for the title. Nowadays when Bayern rules the Bundesliga with an iron fist, the stakes are not that high, yet Hamburg fans always flock to the stadium. This weekend, they have the chance to see their men in action against an in form Dortmund that has won seven games in a row.

Invincible in All Competitions

Dortmund is playing at its best and as a result it surged in the Bundesliga, trailing the leaders by five points. Sadly they don’t have the stamina and roster to compete with Bayern for the title, but a Champions League berth is virtually insured. Not having home pitch advantage should not be a problem for Dortmund, as they won many games on the road against better teams that Hamburg.

One reason of concern still exists and it is closely related to the fitness of key players, as many of them had to play plenty of games recently. The break caused by the Euro 2016 playoffs should give them time to mend their injuries, but a couple of key players are competing in the double-legged fixtures.

Mending Shattered Pride

Hamburg is the only team in the Bundesliga never to have relegated to the second league, but last season they came painfully close. The players and the fans hope to make the most of the channels they were given and there is no better way to celebrate their resilience than by deafeating archrivals Dortmund.

Recent results have been ambivalent, with defensive issues plaguing Hamburg, but overall the team is heading into the right direction. Home pitch advantage in conjunction with the fact that no players are missing or suspended should give the hosts a fighting chance. Bet365 Sports is particularly generous in offering even odds on Hamburg not to lose by two goals or more.