Bundesliga 2018/19: Bayer Leverkusen vs Gladbach

This weekend marked the end of Germanys customary winter break period and the beginning of this seasons second half, also known as the Rückrunde. Apart from being a necessity due to the harsh winters, this pause in the campaign also allows clubs to recharge the batteries and either make a push for European places or avoid the threat of relegation.

Saturdays match between Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach featured two teams at opposite ends of this spectrum. Hosts Leverkusen came into the fixture a lamentable ninth place. They are a team with such attacking talent and potential looking very much less than a sum of their parts. To put an end to the seasons early malaise, manager Heiko Herrlich was replaced by former Dortmund and Ajax coach Peter Bosz.

On the other hand visitors Gladbach looked to respond to second place Bayern Munichs victory on Friday and continue their expectations of Champions League qualification. This tactical analysis will look back and explain how the match unfolded.

Team selections

All the focus was on Peter Bosz and which team and tactical style he would try to implement in his first game in charge. The Dutchman, a long-time advocate of the attacking, fluid 4-3-3, is seen as the right man to get the very best out of Leverkusens considerable attacking talent. Kai Havertz, Leon Bailey, Julian Brandt, and Kevin Volland are just some of the talent at his disposal.

Boszs teams have always stayed true to his philosophies which very much fall in line with the legacy of Dutch managers before him. When attacking possession is regarded as sacred and paramount to success. Defensively, his teams counter-press to win the ball back quickly. Combine this with the ability to counter-attack at speed, and Leverkusen have the potential to become a devastating force. Bosz picked a team which reflected this, with his midfield trio of Aranguiz, Havertz and Brandt staggeringly front-footed.

As for Gladbach,