Dortmund prove worthy winners at Bayern

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp said his side have proved their title credentials after their impressive 3-1 win at defending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

The defeat leaves Bayern 16 points behind Dortmund and, with 10 games left, Dortmund are firmly on course for their first German league title since 2002.

Dortmund's young team -- their average age is just 22 years -- proved their status as Bundesliga winners-in-waiting with victory in Bayern's backyard and their second win over Munich this season.

Goals by Germany defender Mats Hummels, Paraguay's Lucas Barrios and Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin sealed Borussia's 18th win from 24 league matches, while Luiz Gustavo scored what proved to be Bayern's first-half consolation goal.

With second-placed Bayer Leverkusen playing Sunday, Dortmund are 13-points clear at the top of the table and this was their first win in Munich for nearly 20 years.

"It was obvious to us that Bayern would repeatedly have chances over the 90 minutes and our defence would be tested more than in other games," said Klopp.

"We also knew that if any team can withstand this pressure then we are it.

"I am pleased for the boys.

"It was a huge day for us, this game was screened in 198 countries, so it's a very special win.

"Our last victory here was 19 years ago, so we are delighted.

"The boys have given so much to win today, but it wouldn't have worked with anything less."

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal was gracious in defeat, but said his team's 1-0 win at Champions League holders Inter Milan in midweek had taken its toll.

"Dortmund scored at just the right times," said the Dutchman.

"We dominated the second-half time, but we couldn't make it pay at the right moment.

"The first few goals against us were initiated by our own individual mistakes, but Dortmund forced us into making them.

"We expected Dortmund to play the way they did, but we were not smart or fresh enough and we made individual errors.

"In such an important game, you can't afford to make the mistakes we made twice in succession.

"Borussia Dortmund deserved the win, we did not take our chances and we are, of course, very disappointed."