Takeaways as Bayern Munich complete league double over Borussia Dortmund

Second half tactical change for Bayern Munich

Bayern played a nice first half, even getting a goal in the 43rd minute. But there were moments when it looked like Dortmund would break through and get themselves a goal. Their midfielders were able to get on the ball and spread passes all across the field. It was their attack, along with Die Roten’s great defensive performance, that let them down. However, Dortmund looked well trained and knew what they wanted to do in attack and defense.

The second half was a different story. Although there weren’t any goals, Bayern amped up the pressure and started attacking Dortmund when they were on the ball. While Leon Goretzka didn’t get on the scoresheet, his effort deserves a grade of an A+, as does Thomas Muller. These two plus Kimmich were instrumental in disrupting the Dortmund attack, greatly reducing the danger by the home side.

One could assume that coach Hansi Flick told the team to just run harder, but it was clear that the goal was to put more effort into the defensive side of the game and then just control the game when on offense. This took Dortmund out of their rhythm, allowing Bayern to just see out the game. The team had a few chances, but because of their defensive effort, it didn’t matter that they didn’t take them.

There has been some criticism directed towards Flick recently, some of it just, and this was one of them. The ability to make a change in a game and have it make a positive impact. Going to a more controlling and defensive approach, along with the substitution of Javi Martinez at the end, showed that Flick knows what he’s doing in this department. The team adjusted accordingly and came away with a comfortable victory.