The Bundesliga returned this weekend after what seemed like an eternity, and the pick of the games was at Signal Iduna Park, with Borussia Dortmund taking on fellow UEFA Champions League side Borussia Monchengladbach. Borussia Dortmund came into the game having had an interesting transfer window, adding the likes of Jude Bellingham and Thomas Meunier, while perhaps more importantly, keeping hold of Jadon Sancho (for now).
Gladbach on the other hand, have had a much quieter transfer window, with Valentino Lazaro and Hannes Wolf joining on loan. The game, therefore, could be judged under the same light as it would have been last season, with the tactics and formations used by the sides fairly predictable, particularly from Dortmunds perspective.
In this tactical analysis, we will look over the tactics which allowed Borussia Dortmund to get the better of Gladbach over the 90 minutes, with a special focus on how Gladbachs early pressing interacted with Dortmunds build-up, and how Dortmund were ultimately able to take control of the game.
Lineups
As mentioned, Dortmunds starting lineup and formation was fairly predictable before the game, with their 3-4-3 expected to be seen. New signing Jude Bellingham started in the midfield along with Axel Witsel, while 17-year-old Gio Reyna starting in the forward line. Borussia Monchengladbach, showcasing their flexibility, opted to match up against Dortmund in a 3-4-3 also. Hindered by some fitness issues, Gladbachs front three consisted of Jonas Hofmann, Lars Stindl and new signing Hannes Wolf.
Gladbach match up in the 3-4-3
Gladbachs decision to match up against Dortmund and mirror their 3-4-3 was most probably taken in order to hinder Dortmunds build-up play, and for the most part in the game, Gladbach were successful in doing this.
We can see the dynamics involved in Gladbachs press below, with this scene a typical one where Gladbach would press high. The Gladbach forwards could press Dortmunds back line in a 3v3, with the inside forwards pressing the wide centre-backs. These players would press with the aim of preventing central progression, and so they would monitor the space vertically behind them or on the inside and look to cut this space using their cover shadows.
We can see here the player cuts the lane to the ce
