Bayern Munich beat Werder Bremen in a match between two teams with similar approaches. The following analysis will reveal the strategy of either side and how Bayern were able to win the game.
Team news
Werder Bremen deployed a 4-1-4-1 system. As Bargfrede is still missing due to injury, Sahin played as a single pivot in front of the established Bremen back four without any changes. In attack, Kohfeldt lined up youngster Johannes Eggestein and replaced Martin Harnik with Yuya Osako on the winger positions. The creative triangle of Werder was formed by Klaassen, M. Eggestein and striker Kruse.
Bayern Munich used a 4-2-3-1 formation with Goretzka and Kimmich as the double pivot. Niko Kovac only made one change in the starting line-up compared to their recent win over Benfica in the Champions League. Serge Gnabry replaced former Chelsea man Arjen Robben on the right wing.
Possession is everything!
It was not a coincidence that all goals were scored during a period of time where the scoring team dominated in possession. The strategy of both sides was to keep possession and thereby threaten the opposition goal. As Werder did not have many pacey players up front, retaining possession and progressing up the pitch was the more promising strategy than to simply counter attack.
Bayern tried to circulate the ball with two deep-lying midfielders in Kimmich and Goretzka. Whereas Kimmich stayed centrally, Goretzka often dropped back into a left-back position allowing Alaba to move further up the pitch. This way, both central midfielders occupied the central midfield of the opposition which created space for Müller as well as wingers Ribéry and ex-Arsenal midfielder Gnabry between the lines.
To create goal scoring opportunities from open play, Werder Bremen created overloads on the wings. With their central midfielders and striker Kruse, Werder heavily shifted towards one side of the pitch. Only the winger and the full-back on the far side provided width on the other opposite flank.
Subscribe To TFA To Unlock All Posts - Free 7 Day Trial
Try TFA Free For 7 Days
Gain access to all of TFA's premium contents.More than 12,000+ articles.
