Talking Tactics: Bayern Munich vs SC Paderborn 07

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Paderborn’s Brazilian midfielder Cauly Oliveira Souza (L), Paderborn’s Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Draeger and Paderborn’s German forward Kai Proeger (R) celebrate the 1-2 goal during the German First division Bundesliga football match between SC Paderborn and Bayern Munich in Paderborn, on September 28, 2019. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo credit should read INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) /

Rewind: Matchday 6 – Paderborn’s 4-4-1-1

In order to cut passing lanes for Bayern, Paderborn switched to a 4-4-1-1 shape. They used this formation to defend from an advanced position. Cauly Oliviera Souza and Christopher Antwi-Adjei pulled back to join their defensive midfielders in a four-man midfield structure. Ben Zolinski operated as the supporting striker with his prime remit to mark Kimmich. Sven Michel continued to apply pressure from the front.

The idea here seemed logical. Paderborn gave acres of space for Bayern to feed Coutinho in dangerous territory in the first 45 minutes. Baumgart, thus, decided to shield the middle zone of the park. They also reduced the distance between their defensive and midfield line. As a result, Paderborn locked the passing channels in the center and half-space. Moreover, Coutinho now had less space to react when he received the ball from Bayern’s defense.

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A look at Bayern’s xG and shot analysis provides more insight. Excluding the goals scored, Bayern’s average xG for the first half was recorded at 0.18. This reduced to 0.087 during the second half. The visitors took ten shots in the first half, including the solitary shot from outside the box. In the second half, Bayern took eight shots with two taken from outside of the box.

The hosts effectively reduced the space for passing channels that Bayern exploited earlier in the first half. It ultimately forced Bayern to distribute the ball in the wide areas to create an attack that wasn’t quite fruitful. (Stats courtesy: Understat.com)

Thereby, Paderborn’s decision to use a 4-4-1-1 worked in their favour. They were, however, punished for breaking their four-man midfield structure. The goal from Coutinho arrived as a result of Klaus Gjasula charging towards Kimmich near the halfway line. This opened the space in behind Gjasula. Bayern wasted no time and took advantage of it. Their final goal, too, arrived from the same channel.