How to crack Bayern in the top clash: three key tasks for BVB | OneFootball

On Saturday evening (6:30 PM, live on Sky), the classic match in the Bundesliga is on the schedule. BVB hosts FC Bayern, trailing the league leader by eight points after last weekend's results.

Everyone knows that there is only a chance for a somewhat close title race if the Black and Yellows win the home game against Bayern. However, this duel takes place on paper at a far from optimal time for BVB.

They just lost 1-4 at Atalanta in the Champions League, have two intense English weeks behind them, have conceded six goals in two games, and Julian Ryerson is also out due to a yellow card suspension.

Yet, Dortmund managed in recent games against Bayern (a 1-2 loss in the first leg, before that two draws and a win) to pose problems for the record champions. And this was always regardless of their own form. Is this encouraging? Yes, a little. But several things need to be implemented to truly draw courage from it and have a realistic chance. Here are three to-dos for BVB!

1. Back to the Basics

Everyone agrees: BVB did not play stellar football this season, but in the many phases where Niko Kovac's team scored consistently, it was the basics that worked. This means showing the willingness to close gaps. Managing to switch quickly and get back behind the ball with intense runs. Supporting teammates and investing everything to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the opponent.

Especially in Leipzig and Bergamo, these basics were only partially present. BVB lacked fundamental compactness, a structure that is cohesive. And so, two, three, maybe four percent were missing, which in the end caused a chain reaction. Players were sometimes too slow in their heads, made wrong decisions, and one such decision leads to the next wrong decision. Julian Ryerson, suspended against Bayern, was an absolute security risk against Atalanta, as was Ramy Bensebaini, and Daniel Svensson on the other side was also affected.

Photo: IMAGO

For Dortmund, it means: Back to the basics! Niko Kovac must succeed in getting the team so fired up before the game that the team switches on by itself and brings the things they had internalized and automatically recalled back onto the pitch. Then the conditions are met to at least ensure a close duel with the record champions.

2. Focus on Set Pieces

Yes, Julian Ryerson is not there, which is not ideal for crosses and set pieces. But Dortmund has several players who can be trusted to deliver dangerous set pieces. And since the Black and Yellows also have some tall players with good heading ability, set pieces are an important element to pose problems for FC Bayern. Especially since Dortmund has made undeniable progress in this area. There has been development.

To emphasize the importance, one must also look at FC Bayern's record in defending set pieces. After generally very good defensive months at the start of the season, it can now be noted that there are some problems. Sometimes the goalkeeper hesitates too long, sometimes the coordination is not perfect. Bayern is not disastrously vulnerable, but they do not operate near perfection here either. In this area, a door opens for Dortmund.

3. Special Treatment for Harry Kane

FC Bayern has numerous players in the squad who can decide a match. If you let Luis Diaz break through on the left too often, it becomes problematic. Exactly the same if you give Lennart Karl, Jamal Musiala, or Michael Olise too much space. But one player who was already outstanding in the first leg is particularly in focus: Harry Kane. He must be neutralized, which is not really possible over 90 minutes. But you can disrupt his influence.

To achieve this, you must proceed tactically smart. On one hand, Kane must always have a marker on his heels, even in deeper areas where he wants to bring his playmaking qualities to the pitch, but on the other hand, you must not pull a defensive player out of the basic formation, thereby opening the spaces Kane wants to play into. Because you can't prevent every pass. Kovac and his coaching team need to work out a lot to find the ideal mix here.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.