Talking Tactics: Mainz 05 vs Bayern Munich

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BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 19: Thiago of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring a goal with Coutinho of Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on January 19, 2020, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Rewind: Matchday 3 – Bayern’s Midfield Magic

Bayern used Kimmich and Thiago Alcantara in a double pivot set-up with Philippe Coutinho starting as the advanced midfielder. Despite their positioning in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the three maestros resorted to a rather adaptable strategy. This was an essential maneuver to facilitate a clear passage of the ball from the defensive third to the final third. The three midfielders always positioned themselves in different horizontal zones.

This strategy did the trick for Bayern. The Rekordmeister, consequently, were able to link the defense to the attack. The passage with the ball was neat. Bayern’s midfielders, particularly, Thiago and Coutinho started to drop between the lines. Moreover, they swapped their horizontal positions in different vertical zones with one dropping deep, and the other moving up in a slightly advanced role. Essentially, when Thiago dropped deep in the right-half space, Coutinho was available in the left-half space in a slightly higher zone, and vice versa. Furthermore, this allowed Bayern to defend in a 4-1-4-1 structure.

Alongside defending comfortably in a 4-1-4-1 formation, Bayern were able to create more chances in the final third. Die Roten passed the ball from one side of the park to the other. This involved the center-backs, full-backs and a holding midfielder (usually Kimmich). They used this horizontal passing to create space through Mainz’s compact 4-4-2 block. Finally, the ball was moved to the mid and final third via Thiago and Coutinho. They provided the ensuing pass to a wide man, who then delivered a cross inside the box. Three major highlights stemmed from this tactical move.

More from Bayern Strikes

The first one created Bayern’s third goal from an open play. Coutinho received the ball from the back. The Brazilian gave the ball to Robert Lewandowski, who gave a short pass to Coman on the right. Coman, further, passed the ball to Pavard on the right-wing. The Frenchman delivered a cross which was converted by Ivan Perisic. This goal clocked 0.14 on the xG scale. (Stats courtesy: Understat.com)

The second example resulted in a goal from Coman. Kingsley Coman converted a corner into the net, albeit the chance arrived as a result of a similar passing move explained above. The last goal from this tactic resulted was scored by Lewandowski. Thomas Muller assisted the goal. Muller received the ball from Kimmich. The German forward then performed a one-touch passing move with Coman and delivered a cross inside the box. The Polish striker scored Bayern’s fifth goal of the night.

Bayern’s technique to find space between Mainz’s compact structure explains only one side of the coin. Mainz, after conceding the first goal of the game, adopted a tepid approach. They dropped the intensity of their pressing and opted to defend from a medium block. The statistics convey this picture in full-length. The German champions enjoyed a whopping 67.4% possession. Also, Mainz’s languid pressure allowed Bayern 20.35 passes in their half adjusted for each defensive action taken by the visitors. (Stats Courtesy: Understat.com and WhoScored.com)