‘Der Klassiker’: upgraded in media production and interest on all continents
12 April 2025 – When FC Bayern München faced Borussia Dortmund in Munich’s Allianz Arena on Matchday 29 in ‘Der Klassiker’, football fans around the world were watching a showcase match produced with a future-oriented media concept of the highest quality.
Worldwide interest
The game was broadcast in more than 200 FIFA member countries. In addition to the national media partners, twelve international TV broadcasters also reported live from the stadium with their own teams: ESPN (USA), Sky Mexico, Sky Switzerland, beIN Sports France, Canal+, Startimes (both Sub-Saharan Africa), beIN Sports Middle East (English), Viaplay (Poland), Eleven Sports Poland, beIN Sports MENA, SABC (South Africa), Azam (Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and ZAP (Angola, Mozambique).
Upgrades in media production
Fans watching on TV in Germany and across the globe saw a comprehensive and world class media production, with more than 30 cameras used. In addition to the ‘Top Match Plus’ camera concept with 26 individual cameras, including a free-flying drone and a bird’s eye view from an ‘aerial camera system’, the match was also produced with additional special cameras. Images captured wirelessly with two ‘cinestyle’ handheld cameras in 16:9 widescreen format enriched the live broadcast with shots of the fan sections and the emotions in the stadium. In addition, a ‘Polecam Highspeed’ attached to a four-metre-long swivel arm enabled extreme slow-motion shots, covering the entire goal, including the perspective through the goal net.
Two observation cameras were directed at the two coaching zones and captured the communication and emotions of Vincent Kompany and Niko Kovac. As in the first leg, a RefCam was used again to provide impressions of the game from the referee’s perspective. The DFL used the images generated to create a RefCam special as an editorial offering for its media partners after the game.
Feed for tactical fans and innovations
The DFL’s media partners could use all the content from the DFL’s International Product Portfolio (IPP) – these DFL-produced offerings include, among other things, the entire game with English commentary, interviews and highlight clips. Broadcaster Dan O’Hagan and former Germany international Steffen Freund were the commentators for the international live production in the world feed.
Marketing activations around the world
‘Der Klassiker’ was accompanied by the global ‘ALWAYS DER KLASSIKER’ campaign. This included digital activations and live events, which were implemented with the support of both clubs, their international fan clubs and local media and content partners. On matchday, public viewing events were held in New York City and Tokyo. Media partner beIN also accompanied two fans from Thailand who had never been to a Bundesliga game before on their unforgettable trip to Munich. Bundesliga and club legends Jürgen Klinsmann and Roman Weidenfeller were also involved in the DFL’s global activities around the ‘Der Klassiker’.