How did RB Leipzig’s diamond formation thrash Hertha Berlin?

Against Hertha Berlin, RB Leipzig put in an outstanding performance and controlled the opposition throughout the whole game. Ralf Rangnicks side controlled central areas of the pitch, successfully stopped Berlin from playing out and created goalscoring opportunities by overloading the wings.

Hertha Berlin on the other hand struggled with their centrally-focused attacking approach as well as with a back three in defence. The following tactical analysis will lay out the reasons for Leipzigs dominance in detail.

Lineups and formations

Ralf Rangnick lined his team up in a 4-3-1-2 formation with playmaker Emil Forsberg behind the strike duo of Yussuf Poulsen and Timo Werner. Former MLS player Tyler Adams played as a single pivot in front of Leipzigs back four.

Leipzigs press and Herthas problematic buildup

In buildup, Hertha used two central defenders while Lustenberger moved up into a single pivot position to provide a central passing option. As central midfielders Arne Maier and Marko Grujić moved into advanced positions, this created a diamond shape in Herthas midfield.

Since Leipzig pressed with four central midfielders as well, they were able to press Hertha man to man. RB Leipzig used a man-oriented approach within the opposition half to disrupt Hertha Berlins build-up. With this strategy, the home side forced Berlin into duels that mostly resulted in losses of the ball for Dárdais team.