Thursday, 21st November, 2013
Former Bayern Munich and France defender Bixente Lizarazu believes the rivalry with Borussia Dortmund is at the same level as Spain's El Clasico.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have become the dominant forces in German football in recent seasons, culminating in last term's Champions League final.
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The two are unsurprisingly sharing the top spots in the league this time, though this weekend's clash at the Signal Iduna Park will arguably be a matter of pride rather than a definite title-decider.
Regardless Der Klassiker is, for Lizarazu, up there with the very best in Europe, as he told Bundesliga.com: "This game has now become as attractive as the games between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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"It's going to be a classic. Bayern are currently the best team in Europe and Dortmund are now one of Europe's best, too.
"Dortmund are the team who, in the past two or three years, have taken the biggest leap forward in Europe. It's sensational when you think back to how close this club was to extinction just eight years ago."
Lizarazu, who enjoyed many battles against Dortmund during his two spells at Bayern Munich, also feels Der BVB will have the slightest of advantages given their home form.
Borussia Dortmund are unbeaten at home and managed 1-1 draws in both their league fixtures last season.
"This is the clash of the titans, and Dortmund don't lose all that often in front of their [fans]", Lizarazu added.
"Of course there's a special kind of atmosphere there and these games are always incredibly intense. The players are professionals, though, and they know how to deal with such games."
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