Borussia Dortmund’s defensive organization against Bayern Munich was built on compactness, disciplined positioning, and strategic pressing. Here’s how they structured their defense to contain Bayern’s attacking threats:
1. Compact 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 Defensive Shape
- Dortmund often dropped into a 4-5-1 mid-block, ensuring numerical superiority in central areas.
- At times, they transitioned into a 4-4-2, with one midfielder stepping up to support the striker in pressing Bayern’s build-up.
- The wide midfielders, such as Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi, tucked in to prevent Bayern from easily playing through the middle.
2. Aggressive Pressing in Phases
- Dortmund didn’t press constantly but instead focused on pressing triggers:
- A slow or backward pass from Bayern’s defense.
- When Bayern’s full-backs advanced too high, leaving gaps behind.
- Poor first touches or misplaced passes by Bayern’s midfielders.
- Niclas Füllkrug and attacking midfielders led the initial press, while the midfield line closed passing lanes.
3. Protecting the Central Spaces
- Dortmund’s double pivot in midfield (e.g., Emre Can and Salih Özcan) stayed deep, cutting off passes into Bayern’s attacking midfielders.
- They prevented Jamal Musiala and Thomas Müller from receiving the ball between the lines.
- The center-backs, Mats Hummels and Niklas Süle, held their line well, avoiding unnecessary stepping out.
4. Forcing Bayern Wide
- Dortmund’s narrow shape funneled Bayern’s attacks to the flanks.
- The full-backs (e.g., Ryerson and Wolf) forced Bayern’s wingers into less dangerous positions.
- This strategy aimed to reduce Bayern’s ability to create clear-cut chances from central zones.
5. Quick Defensive Transitions
- When losing possession, Dortmund immediately dropped into their defensive shape, preventing Bayern from exploiting counter-attacks.
- The midfield worked hard to recover, cutting off Bayern’s passing lanes before they could build momentum.