Have Borussia Dortmund taken step forward with battling Der Klassiker draw at Bayern Munich?
Niko Kovač's Borussia Dortmund showed what a tough proposition they are by battling their way to a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich that outlined their ambitions in 2026/27.
Since Kovač took charge of Dortmund in January 2025, he has made his side an increasingly gritty outfit.
Becoming Bayern's closest challengers with the fewest goals conceded last season was a testament to his work, but there is no doubt as to where the next step of their development lies - in putting in a more significant claim to the title in 2026/27.
Watch: Determined Dortmund claim point at Bayern
If there was any doubt as to the Black and Yellows' capability of that, having gone into Matchday 8's Der Klassiker level on points with their great rivals, those were likely dispelled by the final whistle.
In twice levelling from their chief strike threats of Serhou Guirassy and Fabio Silva, a gutsy 2-2 draw in Munich showed Dortmund can indeed go toe-to-toe with the champions.
Granted, Kovač's charges had the good fortune of seeing Harry Kane hit the woodwork twice, including from a penalty, but also had a goal from Jobe Bellingham disallowed in a pulsating encounter.
Watch: Bellingham goal disallowed
The point seemed particularly significant after Dortmund lost both Klassiker encounters last season along with the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup in August.
Silva summed up the mood after rifling in his side's late leveller, saying: "We tried to come here to show we are here to fight for titles, we are not afraid of any team. That was the mentality. We have a top squad this season to fight for everything."
There might be a long time to go between now and the end of May, but Dortmund have at least shown if any side could possibly stop Bayern marching to a third successive title, it would surely be them.
