Rami Bensebaini poised to challenge Bayern Munich again in upcoming Bundesliga Klassiker

Algerian defender Rami Bensebaini is gearing up to face his former victims once again as Borussia Dortmund prepares to travel to the Allianz Arena this Saturday for Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich in the seventh round of the Bundesliga.

The left-back carries an impressive personal record against the Bavarian giants, earning him the nickname “Bayern’s nightmare” during his time with Borussia Mönchengladbach. His reign of terror began on December 7, 2019, when he scored both goals in Gladbach’s stunning 2-1 victory over Bayern. He continued his heroics with another brace in a crushing 5-0 German Cup triumph in October 2021, cementing his reputation as Bayern’s tormentor.

Despite being a key player at Gladbach, Bensebaini initially struggled to secure regular playing time after joining Dortmund in July 2023. However, under Niko Kovač’s guidance, the Algerian international has flourished. “Technically, Ben Sebaini is the best football player in the squad,” Kovač stated in the “Auffe Süd” podcast.

The Croatian coach didn’t need to teach Bensebaini new football skills but rather helped him control his temperament. Previously prone to quick tempers and yellow cards, the defender has matured significantly. Sky Sport correspondent Jesco von Eichmann noted: “He’s gotten rid of that, he has the body and he has the speed, he’s a top-class defender with excellent timing in tackles.”

Bensebaini’s evolution extends beyond discipline. Dortmund’s tactical shift to a three-man defense suits him perfectly, while his penalty-taking duties have added another dimension to his game. After Serhou Guirassy’s missed penalties, Kovač appointed the Algerian as the primary spot-kick taker.

Remarkably, Dortmund remains unbeaten against Bayern with Bensebaini on the pitch, recording draws in both encounters last season. Saturday’s clash offers him another opportunity to extend this personal record against Germany’s most successful club.