Bundesliga 2019/20: Schalke 04 vs Bayern Munich – tactical analysis

A restrained start of the Bundesliga season for Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich as they both collected only a single point on the opening game. However, the second matchday brought the opportunity to improve it.

Wagner’s tactics relied on their pressing which, in fact, was an effective weapon in keeping Bayern Munich far from the goal. The control over the central zones made a difficult hindrance for Bayern to overcome. In results, the guests were not able to create that much threat thus Schalke were able to control the game without the ball, although Bayern were still able to grab the lead in the first half and won the game in the second half.

This tactical analysis will investigate the first Bayern Munich victory in the Bundesliga so far and more importantly, their possession play.

Lineups

The new head coach, Wagner sent out the same starting XI, although in a different structure. Instead of the previously used 4-2-3-1, Wagner chose to line up in a 4-4-2 shape  at least on paper. No change in personnel.

Schalke’s pressing vs Bayern’s build-up

The home side showed their tactics for this game early on. Schalke 04 pressed high up the pitch from the starting whistle, therefore the base 4-4-2 formation often morphed into something like a 4-4-2 diamond shape. Bayern Munich meanwhile had a 3-2-2-3 staggering in the build-up as Alaba usually occupied a bit higher than the rest of the last line, and stayed narrow (mostly in the left half-space). This way, Bayerns formation became asymmetric and changed to a situationally three-at-the-back structure.