Last November 7th, we at the Bundesliga International Americas office teamed up with our broadcast partner in the United States, ESPN+, to host a digital watch party – a first for both – for Der Klassiker, the marquee match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern München.

More than 1200 fans from both clubs across the U.S. signed up to the watch party which was hosted via Zoom by ESPN Deportes’ talent Mauricio Pedroza, and included pregame, halftime and postgame interaction with fans and Bundesliga legends Patrick Owomoyela (Dortmund) and Roy Makaay (Bayern).

Since Canadian international and FC Bayern’s full back Alphonso Davies was injured and therefore not present at the stadium, he joined the watch party to greet fans (video below) and have some fun during the first half.

The watch party was part of ESPN+ and Bundesliga’s extensive coverage of Der Klassiker, the first time the match aired on the OTT platform since ESPN became Bundesliga right-holders for the 2020/21 season forward.