Tactical Analysis: Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund

This was the most highly anticipated Der Klassiker in recent memory, with Dortmund having the opportunity to cut the gap on league leaders Bayern Munich to 1 point with a victory. The unprecedented  tension and circumstances surrounding the match itself added fuel to the fire, as football fans salivated over the first major match-up since the Bundesliga's return this month. Many feared the game wouldn’t be the same without the fans, but the passion, intensity and tension surrounding the derby easily dispelled that belief.

Both teams lined up in their preferred formations with Bayern using a 4-2-3-1 and Dortmund a 3-4-3. There was a notable absentee from each line up, with both Thiago Alcântara and Jadon Sancho missing out of the starting XI of their respective teams and changing the dynamic of the game as a result.

Leon Goretzka took Thiago’s place meaning that Bayern missed the game-changing technical quality and pass volume that the Spaniard boasts, whereas Sancho’s exclusion was a little less damaging for the Black and Yellows, due to Thorgan Hazard's similar strengths and attributes.