Talking Tactics: Hertha Berlin vs Bayern Munich

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MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 16: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen jumps for a header with Niklas Stark of Hertha BSC during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Hertha BSC at Allianz Arena on August 16, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

Rewind: Matchday 1- Hertha’s Defending

Ante Covic deployed an aggressive pressing tactic from the onset in this match. Hertha lined up in an attacking 3-5-2 (a 3-2-3-2 with two pivots) formation. Dodi Lukebakio and Vedad Ibisevic started upfront. They were responsible for applying the first wave of pressure on Bayern’s center-backs- Niklas Sule and Benjamin Pavard. Along with Ondrej Duda, Marko Grujic applied the second wave of pressure. Vladimir Darida, majorly, remained at the back to shield the defenders. From the wide areas, Mathew Leckie reflected higher intensity in terms of pressing in the final third, compared to Maximillian Mittelstadt’s tepid approach on the left flank.

Bayern used a 2-3-2-3 structure during the build-up. Thiago was the primary source for linking the defense to attack. Corentin Tolisso, who started alongside Thiago in a double pivot, surged forward in the central area with Thomas Muller. With a single pivot in the build-up, supported by inverted full-backs, Hertha’s pressing technique blocked short vertical passing options for Bayern. As a result, the hosts struggled to find clear passing channels in their half and were forced to go long.

Even when Bayern attacked deep in the opposition’s half, Hertha were spot on to deny Bayern a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Covic’s selection for the defensive zone was unerring. Lukas Klunter was phenomenal for keeping Robert Lewandowski at bay. Another player worthy of plaudits was Leckie. His speed and stamina were the key difference for Hertha creating overloads in the final and defensive thirds. As a result, Hertha were quick in both defensive and offensive transitions.

The boys in blue, usually, opted for a four-man defense. To fight against the overlapping threat from Bayern’s full-backs, Hertha occasionally used five at the back wherein Mittelstadt dropped deep on the left-hand side.

However, Hertha controlled the game only for the first 15 minutes. As per the statistics provided by Understat.com, Bayern managed two shots with an average xG of 0.045 compared with Hertha’s average xG of 0.07 from two shots in the same time frame. In the ensuing moments, Niko Kovac made a few tactical amendments to overpower Hertha’s pressing prowess.