Bundesliga 2020/21: Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin – tactical analysis

Union Berlin arrived at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena to take on Hoffenheim in the final match of matchday six in the Bundesliga on Monday. Hoffenheim likely knew that Union would come in and attempt to frustrate Hoffenheim with their compact defensive structure. Sure enough, that’s what played out over the course of 90 minutes, with Union’s efforts supported by a Robert Skov red card. Union Berlin was able to take all three points as they defeated Hoffenheim 3-1.

This tactical analysis will examine the tactics used by both Sebastian Hoeneß and Urs Fischer. The analysis will look at Union Berlin’s build-up, Hoffenheim’s attempt to overload the right half-space, and Union’s gameplan after Skov’s red card.

Lineups

While the image represents a 5-3-2 structure, Sebastian Hoeneß’s Hoffenheim squad played more in a 3-1-4-2 with Oliver Baumann in goal. The three centre-backs were Kevin Akpoguma, Kevin Vogt, and Stefan Posch. Ryan Sessegnon started as the left wingback while Sebastian Rudy started on the right. Their central midfielders were Diadie Samassekou, Dennis Geiger, and Florian Grillitsch, with Samassekou playing as the holding midfielder. Munas Dabbur and Ishak Belfodil were the two starting strikers for the evening.

Union Berlin used a 3-4-1-2 as their structure with Andreas Luthe as their starting goalkeeper. Their three centre-backs were Florian Hübner, Robin Knoche, and Marvin Friedrich. In front of the back three was Robert Andrich, who supported Sebastian Griesbeck and Christian Gentner in the centre of the park. Christopher Lenz patrolled the left flank while Julian Ryerson worked on the right. Max Kruse and Liverpool-loanee Taiwo Awoniyi started as the two strikers.

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