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March 1, 2013

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Bayern back on top as Dortmund curse snaps

FOR more than two years Bayern Munich had its long-standing dominance in Germany questioned as Borussia Dortmund ruled the roost, but the 1-0 German Cup win over its rival on Wednesday restored the old order.

The Bavarians advanced to the German Cup last four after eliminating holder Dortmund, which had also won back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012. They are now odds-on favorites to claim the domestic cup as well as a first Bundesliga title since 2010 having a 17-point lead over Dortmund.

Bayern is also enjoying a sensational season in Europe and is all but through to the Champions League quarterfinals after a 3-1 first-leg win at Arsenal earlier in February.

"My team deserves a great compliment because it showed that it is not only capable of playing beautiful football at the moment but that it can also fight," coach Jupp Heynckes said.

Bayern's performance so far this season may have pointed towards a win on Wednesday but it has endured a dismal record against its opponent, failing to beat Dortmund in any of their last six encounters and losing five in a row.

With the 'Dortmund curse' finally over, Bayern bosses were relieved. "The issue about supremacy in Germany has now been cleared. I had asked myself how I will survive this game," Bayern President Uli Hoeness confessed.



 

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