Bayern Munich’s high-pressing game against Borussia Dortmund has been a key factor in their dominance in Der Klassiker. Their relentless pressure forces Dortmund into mistakes, disrupts their build-up play, and creates goal-scoring opportunities through turnovers in dangerous areas.

Key Aspects of Bayern’s High-Pressing Game

1. Aggressive Pressing Triggers

• Bayern initiates their press as soon as Dortmund attempts to build from the back.
• The front three, including the striker and wingers, press Dortmund’s center-backs and goalkeeper, cutting off passing lanes.
• Midfielders like Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka push high to suffocate Dortmund’s playmakers, limiting their ability to transition forward.

2. Intensity & High Defensive Line

• Bayern maintains a high defensive line, compressing the space in midfield and forcing Dortmund into rushed decisions.
• The defenders step up aggressively, ensuring that Dortmund’s strikers have little time to turn or exploit spaces behind them.
• This strategy minimizes Dortmund’s ability to play through the lines and forces long balls, which Bayern’s defenders typically handle well.

3. Winning Second Balls & Quick Transitions

• Even when Dortmund manages to clear the initial press, Bayern ensures they win the second ball through intense midfield battles.
• Upon regaining possession, Bayern transitions quickly into attack, often catching Dortmund’s defensive structure out of shape.
• Players like Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané capitalize on these quick turnovers to create scoring opportunities.

4. Isolating Dortmund’s Key Players

• Bayern targets Dortmund’s midfielders, particularly the deep-lying playmaker, preventing them from dictating play.
• If Dortmund tries to play out wide, Bayern’s full-backs and wingers close down quickly, trapping them against the touchline.
• This relentless pressure forces Dortmund into errors in their defensive third, often leading to Bayern capitalizing on turnovers.

5. Counter-Pressing After Losing Possession

• When Bayern loses possession, they engage in immediate counter-pressing, swarming the ball carrier before Dortmund can initiate a counterattack.
• This prevents Dortmund from launching quick transitions, which is one of their primary attacking strengths.