Talking Tactics: Mainz 05 vs Bayern Munich

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MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 31: Karim Onisiwo of 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Thiago of FC Bayern Muenchen battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on August 31, 2019, in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Rewind: Matchday 3 – Mainz’s Transient Trap

The 05ers lined up in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation on paper. Florian Muller started in the goal. Ronael Pierre Gabriel, Moussa Niakhate, Alexander Hack, and Aaron Martin formed the defensive unit. In the midfield diamond, Edmilson Fernandes started as the pivot with Jean-Paul Boetius as the attacking midfielder. Ridle Baku and Danny Latza were placed in the half-spaces. The two forwards that led the attack were Jonathan Burkardt and Karim Onisiwo.

As opposed to their 4-1-2-1-2 structure, Mainz used a 4-4-2 template to run their show. During the build-up phase, the team’s shape switched to a 2-4-2-2 formation. The full-backs pushed forward with Fernandes and Latza in the middle. Baku and Onisiwo remained as the wide attacking options. Burkardt and Boetius remained upfront in the half-spaces. This was a flexible structure that allowed the wide midfielders to join the forwards for applying pressure and reverting to their original position to cover the width.

As a result, Mainz were often seen pressing in a 4-3-3 formation. Bayern used a three-man structure to build the attack. Niklas Sule, Lucas Hernandez, and Joshua Kimmich were the pivotal characters in this zone. This allowed Mainz to apply the first wave of pressure from Boetius, Burkardt, and either of Onisiwo or Baku depending upon the positioning of the ball. David Alaba and Benjamin Pavard were at the receiving end of pressure applied from Mainz’s high-flying full-backs and one of the central midfielders.

Thus, compactness remained one of the key components of Mainz’s structure. This was additionally enhanced by fluidity in the visitor’s movement as a unit. Their structure and movement in unison gave Mainz the room to assure a smooth transition. Their first goal exemplified this strategy. In a quick attacking transition, Gabriel received the ball on the right-hand side, who then delivered a cross inside the box, and Boetius drew first blood for Mainz (an xG of 0.46 as per Understat.com).

Additionally, it effectively allowed Mainz to create a trap for Bayern to find space between the lines. The hosts struggled to find a clear passing channel. Bayern could not manage a single shot, after their first attempt at the third minute, until the half-hour mark.

However, Bayern eventually used their short passing technique to keep possession and find space to connect with their teammates in the final third. They could pull this off successfully due to their outstanding balance in the midfield structure.