Bundesliga 2020/21: Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach – tactical analysis

Bayer Leverkusen welcomed Borussia Mönchengladbach to the BayArena for the Bundesliga match for Matchday 7 on Sunday. What was certainly billed as an exciting game delivered just that, as the two clubs battled to potentially fight for fourth place in the table. While both teams had plenty of opportunities, Leverkusen was able to come away with the 4-3 victory.

This tactical analysis will examine the tactics used by both Peter Bosz and Marco Rose in the match. The analysis will examine how Leverkusen targeted the left side of Gladbach’s defence, how they pressed Gladbach during their build-up, and how Gladbach looked to find success in the transition.

Lineups

Bosz sent Leverkusen out in a 4-3-3 with Lukáš Hrádecký in goal. Their two centre-backs were Edmond Tapsoba and Sven Bender with Lars Bender as right-back and Wendell as the left-back. Julian Baumgartlinger, Nadiem Amir, and Florian Wirtz started in the midfield, with Baumgartlinger featuring as the defensive midfielder. Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby started on the right and left side, respectively, with Lucas Alario starting as the striker.

Marco Rose sent Gladbach out in their 4-2-3-1 with Yann Sommer in goal. His centre-back pairing consisted of Matthias Ginter and Nico Elevedi with Ramy Bensebaini on as left-back and Stefan Lainer as the right-back. The two holding midfielders were Florian Neuhaus and Christoph Kramer with Lars Stindl starting in front of them. Marcus Thuram started on the left side while Jonas Hofmann started on the right, both supporting Breel Embolo, who was Gladbach’s striker.