The Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund match is always one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the Bundesliga. With both teams boasting star players and tactical depth, this match promises to be an exciting and intense encounter. Let’s break down a tactical preview for this iconic fixture, focusing on how both teams are likely to approach the game.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Bayern Munich’s attacking dominance
- Dortmund’s counter-attacking strength
- Defensive solidity and vulnerabilities
- Key individual matchups
Bayern Munich’s Tactical Approach:
1. High Pressing and Possession Play
- Bayern Munich under Julian Nagelsmann (and his successor, if applicable) have been known for their high pressing and possession-based style. Expect Bayern to dominate possession, controlling the tempo of the game with quick ball circulation and attacking through wide areas.
- Midfield dominance: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will likely anchor Bayern’s midfield, providing both defensive stability and creative passing to facilitate attacks. Kimmich will act as the deep-lying playmaker, distributing the ball efficiently and often switching the play to exploit spaces.
- Wide Play: Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sané (or Serge Gnabry) will provide width and pace, stretching Dortmund’s defensive lines. Their dribbling ability and pace on the wings will be crucial in creating overloads and forcing Dortmund’s defense to commit.
2. High Defensive Line & Transition
- Bayern’s defense: Bayern plays with a high defensive line, pushing forward in possession. This creates space for Dortmund to exploit on the counter-attack. However, this strategy also allows Bayern to win the ball back quickly if they lose possession.
- Build-up from the back: Bayern will look to build from the back, involving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in playing out from defense. The full-backs, likely Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard (or Noussair Mazraoui), will push high up the pitch to provide support in attack and overload Dortmund’s full-backs.
3. Involvement of Thomas Müller
- Müller’s role: Thomas Müller, known for his “raumdeuter” (space interpreter) role, will drop deep or drift between the lines, looking to exploit the gaps in Dortmund’s defense. His intelligent movement and experience in big games make him a crucial player in the attacking third.
4. Clinical Finishing from Robert Lewandowski (or the new striker)
- Lewandowski’s successor: Whether Robert Lewandowski (if still with Bayern) or a new striker, Bayern will rely heavily on a clinical striker to finish chances. Sadio Mané may be involved as a striker in certain situations, and his physicality and movement will complement Bayern’s attacking play.
Borussia Dortmund’s Tactical Approach:
1. Counter-Attacking and Exploiting Space
- Defensive solidity: Dortmund will likely play with a more compact defensive setup, looking to absorb Bayern’s pressure and then launch quick counter-attacks. Mats Hummels and Niklas Süle will need to be alert to Bayern’s pace, especially when defending against Coman, Sané, or Mané.
- Full-backs on the counter: Raphaël Guerreiro and Thomas Meunier (or Julian Brandt) will be crucial for Dortmund, offering width and pace on the counter-attack. They’ll have to be cautious when pushing forward, as Bayern’s high press could expose them if possession is lost.
2. Midfield Transition and Playmakers
- Jude Bellingham is Dortmund’s main talent in midfield. His ability to carry the ball forward and make incisive passes will be critical in transitioning from defense to attack. He’ll have to work alongside Emre Can to disrupt Bayern’s midfield dominance.
- Marco Reus: Marco Reus is a key creative figure for Dortmund. His experience and technical ability make him dangerous both as a goal-scoring threat and as a provider. He will operate in the space between Bayern’s midfield and defense, looking to exploit any defensive lapses.
3. Leverage Pace of Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen
- Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen are both incredibly fast and can be lethal on the break. With Bayern’s high defensive line, Adeyemi and Malen will look to make runs in behind, using their pace to take advantage of any gaps left by the high Bayern defenders.
- Clinical finishing: Dortmund’s counter-attacks will need clinical finishing, and both players can pose a significant threat if given space.
4. Set-Pieces and Aerial Threat
- Aerial duels: With Süle, Hummels, and Sebastian Haller (if fit) in the lineup, Dortmund could have an advantage in set-piece situations. Bayern must be careful not to give away unnecessary corners or free-kicks in dangerous areas, as Dortmund can capitalize on their physicality during dead-ball situations.
Key Individual Matchups:
- Joshua Kimmich vs. Jude Bellingham:
- This is likely to be a battle of midfield control. Kimmich will look to dictate the tempo and dominate possession, while Bellingham will be key in disrupting Bayern’s rhythm and transitioning Dortmund forward.
- Alphonso Davies vs. Donyell Malen/Karim Adeyemi:
- Davies will need to be cautious when defending against Dortmund’s pacey wingers. His pace and positioning will be crucial to prevent Malen and Adeyemi from exploiting Bayern’s high defensive line.
- Robert Lewandowski vs. Mats Hummels:
- If Lewandowski is involved in the match, he’ll be up against his former teammate Mats Hummels. Lewandowski’s movement and ability to find space in the box will challenge Dortmund’s defense.
- Thomas Müller vs. Emre Can:
- Müller’s movement and spatial awareness will test Can‘s ability to track runners and cover the space between the lines. If Müller is allowed too much freedom, he could create significant problems for Dortmund’s defense.
Possible Game Dynamics:
- Possession vs. Counter: Bayern Munich will dominate possession and look to break down Dortmund with quick, intricate passes. Dortmund, on the other hand, will sit deeper and look to exploit space on the counter, especially through their pacey wingers and Bellingham’s drive from midfield.
- High Press vs. Low Block: Bayern’s high press will be designed to win the ball back quickly and pin Dortmund back. Dortmund will likely sit in a compact, disciplined defensive shape, looking to break with speed once they win possession.
- Set-Pieces and Aerial Duels: With both teams having strong aerial presences, set-pieces could play a big role, especially in such a high-stakes match.