Bayer Leverkusen hosted Union Berlin at BayArena in the quarterfinals of the DFB Pokal on Wednesday. Heading into the match Leverkusen had won a remarkable nine of their last 11 matches in all competitions; a run that includes wins against Dortmund, Union Berlin, and Porto twice in the Europa League, as well as a draw away against Leipzig. For the visitors, that loss to Leverkusen is their lone defeat since early February. This tactical analysis will examine the buildup play of both sides and dissect how Bayer Leverkusen took advantage late in the match.
Lineups
Leverkusen manager Peter Bosz sent his team out in a back three/back five formation, something he has previously done in a few matches this season. Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba were joined by Sven Bender centrally in the backline, who would often drop back between the two centre-backs. Tapsoba has been exceptional since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Vitória Guimarães late in the winter transfer window. Nadiem Amiri and Daley Sinkgraven played as the wing-backs, often on either side of Charles Aránguiz and Kerem Demirbay in midfield. Kai Havertz, Lucas Alario, and Leon Bailey formed a fluid front three to complete the formation.
Union Berlin began in a similar setup, a shape manager Urs Fischer has preferred this season. Marvin Friedrich, Keven Schlotterbeck, and Michael Parensen filled out the back three, with Julian Ryerson and Christopher Lenz occupying the wide areas behind Marius Bülter and Marcus Ingvartsen. Grischa Prömel and Robert Andrich start in midfield. Bundesliga veteran Anthony Ujah, despite only scoring three goals in 20 appearances in all competitions this season, started as the lone striker.
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