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When Saturday's action turned into evening, the Bavarian giants demonstrated their current form as the league's powerhouse, almost untouchable and motivated into their top gear by proper competition, as demonstrated in their later match at emerging Eintracht Frankfurt.

Top German League Clash

Although Dortmund's meeting with Red Bull Leipzig carried the weight of a defining match in the beginning phase of the German league campaign, with runner-up versus third place, expectations were relatively conservative in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Whether it was Niko Kovac citing his one-time Bayern manager the experienced coach ("if you can't win, you can't lose," he stated at match end) or his counterpart the visiting manager speaking about his "still developing" side, it felt as if a 1-1 draw was appropriate, leaving each side partially sated, somewhat disappointed.

Long-standing Tension

This represents a game that counts, and has consistently been important since RB's top-flight arrival. These respective teams are polar opposites in perspective and what they believe they stand for.

While the German league is now accustomed to Leipzig – instead of having totally welcomed the club conceptually – there is a unique intensity of hostility that greets Leipzig when they visit Signal Iduna Park.

Promotional Wars

The day before sizeable billboards in Dortmund city centre displayed two portions of fries, basic fries and one with red and white sauces (for the club colors of RB), annotated with the slogan "Merely yellow isn't satisfying," with the double meaning of gelb rather than geld joking about the reputation of Leipzig as a commercial enterprise.

The notices were credited "with sporting greetings, The Red Bulls." Despite the passage of time RB accept they won't be viewed as authentic by swathes of Bundesliga supporters, so have taken the decision to deliberately adopt the unpopular character; a similar advertising campaign was implemented in the Bavarian capital ahead of their first away game there, humorously referencing "at last a straightforward red and white jersey" making an appearance after some Bayern fans' complaints about the title holders' new strip.

Fixture Significant Events

The fact both clubs are aiming at the comparable standards additionally fuels the needle, even if it is not the underlying reason. Bayern's early season fettle has further emphasized this feeling, and witnessing Luis Díaz exceed Harry Kane this weekend, with his comeback displays overcoming the ongoing unavailability of Jamal Musiala, this weekend has been an illustration of the true picture of where everyone is.

The visitors began strongly and took the hosts unaware with a prepared free-kick, converted by Christoph Baumgartner but orchestrated by dead-ball expert their tactical coach, fired from his role with Dortmund's under-23s in spring.

Appearing somewhat tired from their European commitments the hosts drew level through an aesthetically pleasing goal of their own, with the Brazilian defender putting the finishing touch and though "the result was uncertain" in his assessment, the shared points felt about right.

Following the Fixture Assessment

If there was a declaration ready to be delivered here, there was no team strong enough to completely achieve it. Their defender discussed his squad's improvement under Werner, claiming that his side had dug in and "displayed maturity, an area needing improvement to some extent last year," but it all seemed like modest progress in the correct path instead of issuing any challenge.

"We rank among the top sides in the league," he added and there is minimal controversy about that currently, but there is also the sense that it might prove insufficient this year in terms of creating a genuine battle at the top.

Managerial Questions

This encounter maybe highlighted precisely how the hosts have developed under the coaching of the head coach, but also why there may be definite boundaries to what they can achieve with him at the wheel. They overcame their weariness and Leipzig's strong spells and, in the closing phases of the game, hinted that they could be willing to push forward and win the game, especially thanks to the timely introductions of Pascal Groß and their promising youngster.

Yet, was the conviction to turn increased tempo into a win, or merely optimism that it would? This version of BVB can be formidable, but there is a doubt over whether they can really be winners. As goalkeeper Gregor Kobel commented, the trip to Bayern after the fixture hiatus will reveal much information.

Broader Perspective

Should either team or the visitors deserve championship status is a separate issue. Post multiple campaigns of internal and external instability, perhaps Dortmund need a season of steady performance, of controlling a process of gradual improvement; the ultimate goal also relevant for Leipzig.

Regarding these sides that consider themselves polar opposites, they employed this fixture giving a perfect example of sharing comparable situations.

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