Nuri Şahin’s Tactical Slip Which Cost Dortmund Vs Real Madrid In Champions League – Tactical Analysis

On Matchday three of this season’s new-look UEFA Champions League, the Santiago Bernabéu hosted a tantalising rematch of last year’s finale, with Real Madrid taking on Borussia Dortmund.

For a team so formidable on the European stage, Carlo Ancelotti’s superstars have emerged out of the blocks with relative caution, having struggled to break down Stuttgart and receiving a surprise loss at the hands of Lille.

This week’s German opposition have had the complete opposite start to their Champions League campaign, with new head coach Nuri Şahin guiding BVB to consecutive victories, including a 7-1 demolition of Celtic.

Heading into the match, there was a resounding acceptance that either side must collect all three points, especially considering the respite that a top-eight finish would provide in an already hectic club calendar.

Real Madrid would eventually secure a 5-2 victory thanks to some impactful tactical tweaks and moments of individual brilliance from the soon-to-be Ballon d’Or winner, Vinicius Junior, but it was undoubtedly a game of two drastically different halves where Los Blancos are concerned.

Borussia Dortmund played with freedom and comfort in the opening stages, which allowed them to demonstrate their technical prowess when racing to a swift two-goal advantage.

The inevitable nature of Real Madrid in the Champions League came to fruition once again, but it certainly has sparked analysis and discussion surrounding the effectiveness of Ancelotti’s tactics this season.

Our tactical analysis will begin to delve into the most interesting aspects of the Real Madrid vs Dortmund tie, highlighting where it all went wrong for Dortmund after such a bright start and, most importantly, how Madrid found a way to spark another comeback.

Real Madrid Vs Borussia Dortmund Starting Lineups

Real Madrid started their first UCL match since the loss of Dani Carvajal to a season-ending knee injury, allowing Lucas Vázquez to join a back four of Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy, who could protect Thibaut Courtois between the sticks.

Ancelotti deployed a midfield line of Luka Modrić, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, playing behind the world-class attacking trio of Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.

On the other side of the field, Nuri Şahins formation opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup from the outset, with Gregor Kobel playing in the Dortmund goal behind a defensive line of Ramy Bensebaini, Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Süle and Julian Ryerson.

Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer comprised a multifaceted double pivot, allowing Julian Brandt to occupy space behind central striker Serhou Guirassy.

Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens offered important width in the attack.

Madrid’s Messy Midfield

A recurring theme of Real Madrid’s season under Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching style this year has been their lack of that dominating presence within the midfield line.

We mentioned previously how the loss of Toni Kroos this summer has had detrimental effects on the fluidity and efficiency of their build-up play, but from the outset, we could see how Ancelotti’s starters were lacking in the defensive elements of the game.

Even though you may be forgiven for not settling into a proper defensive structure within the opening seconds of the match, we see how Real Madrids 4-4-2 pressing structure can be picked apart to put pressure on their defensive line immediately.

With Bellingham pressing high alongside Mbappé, this left just Modrić and Valverde to defend the interior of the pitch, two midfielders who are much more effective in possession and lack the defensive instincts to operate as a true holding midfielder.

The lack of defensive pressure and huge gaps between the defence and midfield allowed Dortmund’s three most influential offensive minds enough freedom to pick up possession and threaten early on.