Bayern boss bemoans drawing Dortmund in Cup

BERLIN: Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge lamented drawing holders Borussia Dortmund in the third round of the German Cup in a repeat of last season's semi-finals.

The two heavyweight giants of German football are already due to meet in the Bundesliga in Dortmund this Saturday, but will clash again in the last 16 of the Cup at Munich's Allianz Arena on December 19 or 20.

"That's come very early. That will be an intense game just before Christmas, which no one wants," rued Rummenigge on Monday.

"Normally that would be a final, which we have often had in the last few years."

Bayern have won the German Cup 18 times while Dortmund lifted the trophy for the fourth time by beating Eintracht Frankfurt in last season's final.

Borussia beat the Bavarians 3-2 in the semi-finals after Bayern and Dortmund had met in the German Cup finals of 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Dortmund trounced Bayern 5-2 in 2012 before the Bavarians gained revenge with a 2-0 victory in 2014, also winning two years later when the final was decided by penalties after a goalless draw.

It is the second tough cup draw Bayern have been dealt this season after needing penalties to see off RB Leipzig last Wednesday in the second round.

"First a tough second-round game, now again in the third round - these are important games for us."

Bayern defender Mats Hummels, who played for Dortmund until 2016, was equally unimpressed.

"This game has been seen more often than 'Sissi' or 'Dinner for One'," quipped Hummels on Twitter, referring to two movies which are extremely popular in Germany over the festive period.

However, Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin is clearly relishing the clash, tweeting: "I'd say, 'All-In'" after the draw.