Bayern Strikes
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Talking Tactics: Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin

By Kartik Sahni

MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Players of Munich enter the stadium prior the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on October 05, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Players of Munich enter the stadium prior the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on October 05, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images) /
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FC Bayern Munich face another tricky test when they lock horns against FC Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena in matchday nine of the Bundesliga

MUNICH, GERMANY – OCTOBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Players of Munich enter the stadium prior the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on October 05, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – OCTOBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) Players of Munich enter the stadium prior the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on October 05, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images) /

Bayern Munich dropped two crucial points against FC Augsburg last week. The pressure is mounting on Niko Kovac as Die Roten have delivered unconvincing performances in the last three games. The German champions host FC Union Berlin on Saturday, which can prove to be another stern test for Kovac’s men.

While Union’s winless away form can cheer-up Bayern faithful around the world, Urs Fischer can surprise Die Roten’s already beleaguered defensive structure using an attacking scheme. Die Eisernen have won two league games so far this season, which includes a victory against Borussia Dortmund in gameweek three.

Bayern Munich lost their previous home fixture against Hoffenheim. They will come up against a side similar to Hoffenheim that likes to hit the opposition with quick attacks on the break. Urs Fischer used three different formations in Berlin’s last three league fixtures. However, the core remains similar for their attacking and defensive strategy.

Union Berlin makes use of their wing-backs to control the tempo of the game. They attack with a forward line of three players that involves two inverted wingers that are complemented by their fellow wing-backs in the final third. This allows them to create overloads in the attacking third, especially in central areas and half-spaces, allowing wingers to cut-in and find space for testing opposition goalkeeper from outside the box.

The visitors have taken five shots per game from outside the box, accounting for 41% of their total shots this season. In their build-up, Union primarily opts for the wide areas, where they make use of the speed that they possess in their wingers and wing-backs. The result is either delivering a cross from the wing, or a cut-back pass to one of the midfielders arriving late in the box.

Regarding their defensive orientation, Berlin is quick to pull the wing-backs with the three men already at the back, often making it a five-man defense. They form a tight block at the back when defending with nine men, forming two channels of five and four players to clear the danger. Union Berlin have intercepted the ball 13.4 times per game along with winning 25.8 aerial duels per game so far this season.

To gain possession, Berlin applies pressure from their front three. These forwards press relentlessly in the attacking third, denying the opposition to build their attack. The pressure applied in this zone is overshadowed by the intensity displayed by Berlin in the middle of the park.

Union Berlin shifts gear and presses the opposition aggressively around the halfway line. This is the area where they prefer regaining possession, and the wing-backs start to push forward for a quick counter-attack on the transition. (Stats courtesy: WhoScored)