Bundesliga 2019/20: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Monchengladbach- tactical analysis

The original German classic of Bayern Munich against Borussia Monchengladbach took place at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, with the two sides in contrasting form and with different aims for the remainder of the season. Bayern Munich, led by Hansi Flick, were looking for another win to strengthen their position at the top of the table, while Borussia Monchengladbach, following a disappointing defeat to Freiburg the week prior, were looking for a positive result that would benefit them in their race for UEFA Champions League qualification. Coming into the game, Marco Roses side were only one of two sides to take points from Bayern this season, but Gladbach were unable to repeat the previous result, this time falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern. As is always the case with these two sides, it was an interesting tactical display, and despite defeat Gladbach were largely the better side for the first half, before Bayern began to take control. In this tactical analysis, we will look at Gladbachs use of overloads that allowed them to build past Bayern, as well as how both sides pressing and build-up tactics impacted the game.

Lineups

Both sides lined up in a 4-2-3-1 but the main news looking at the teamsheet was the absence of some of Bayerns key players such as Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Müller, and Alphonso Davies who was on the bench. Joshua Zirkzee and Mickaël Cuisance replaced the absent Bayern attackers, while Lucas Hernández filled in at left-back. Gladbachs side was a familiar one, with Marcus Thuram starting up front before picking up an ankle injury early on, which led to Breel Embolo replacing him.

Bayern press

Both sides pressed in fairly similar ways as a result of their formations, but Bayerns press took its usual shape in the game, fluctuating between a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, and 4-1-4-1. Bayern did not press high immediately and instead at times allowed for Gladbach to have possession until the Bayern presss was triggered. Bayern were able to shift into a 4-4-2 when the Gladbach double pivots were able to be covered, either by the central midfielders of Bayern or the pressing ten. We can see here Cuisance initially covers the ball near pivot, but is able to jump to press while keeping the player in his cover shadow. Joshua Kimmich can also come across to cover the near pivot, with Zirkzee covering Florian Neuhaus on the other side temporarily. Leon Goretzka is pinned slightly deeper by Lars Stindl.

We can see here Bayerns p