Comprehensive Tactical Analysis: Borussia Dortmund’s 5-2 Triumph Over Eintracht Frankfurt
Borussia Dortmund launched their Bundesliga season in spectacular fashion with a commanding victory against Eintracht Frankfurt. In Marco Rose’s debut match as head coach, Dortmund displayed high-octane attacking football that left their opponents overwhelmed. This analysis examines the tactical foundations of Dortmund’s performance, focusing on their formation choices, pressing strategies, positional fluidity, attacking verticality, and the defensive vulnerabilities that surfaced.
Dortmund’s Innovative System Versus Frankfurt’s Defensive Block
Dortmund set up in a dynamic 4-2-3-1 shape that, throughout the match, often morphed into a 4-1-4-1. This fluid approach, notable for lacking a true left winger, relied on continuous position swapping among Jude Bellingham, Marco Reus, and Gio Reyna. These players alternated between central and left-sided roles, maximizing central numerical superiority and ball progression. Interestingly, Dortmund’s fullbacks contributed cautiously to the attack, with Manuel Akanji emerging as an unanticipated source of forward thrust from deeper areas.
Eintracht Frankfurt, under Oliver Glasner, began in a structured 3-4-3 that shifted into a defensive 5-4-1 when out of possession. However, Dortmund’s relentless tempo and versatility rarely allowed Frankfurt’s back five to settle, repeatedly exposing fragile defensive lines.
Relentless High Pressing and Ruthless Counter-Pressing
One of the most striking features of Rose’s Dortmund was the aggressive pressing from the opening minutes. The collective intensity, markedly higher than in previous seasons, disrupted Frankfurt’s build-up, prompting turnovers in dangerous zones. Dortmund’s forwards and midfielders pressed and immediately counter-pressed after possession losses, leading directly to several quick-strike goals. Many of these came within seconds of regaining the ball, capitalizing on Frankfurt’s disarray and the sharp finishing of players like Erling Haaland.
This approach mirrored Rose’s previous attacking philosophy at Borussia Mönchengladbach, prioritizing vertical attacks, rapid ball circulation, and swift forward movement upon transitions. Combos between Reus, Haaland, Hazard, and Reyna were especially effective, enabling Dortmund to continuously stretch and fracture Frankfurt’s lines.
Positional Flexibility and the Absence of a Left Winger
A defining tactical nuance in this fixture was the lack of a classic left winger in Dortmund’s nominal formation. Instead, Rose implemented a system of fluid positional rotation, granting creative freedom to the likes of Reus and Reyna. This approach drew inspiration from similar strategies employed by clubs like Manchester United, where a central playmaker—akin to Paul Pogba—roams and triggers rotations for teammates.
Dortmund’s system allowed multiple players to interchange across central and wide spaces. Bellingham, Reus, and Reyna each spent time supporting the build-up, arriving in half-spaces, or drifting to the wing to create overloads. This tactical flexibility not only confused the opposition defensively but also increased verticality, as Dortmund could rapidly accelerate attacks through the center.
Meanwhile, on the right side, Thorgan Hazard maintained width and frequently received the ball in advanced areas. This right-sided emphasis added balance and unpredictability, preventing Dortmund from becoming too narrow and allowing for quick switches of play.
Enhanced Dribbling and Progressive Ball Carrying
Under Rose’s guidance, Dortmund encouraged their players to engage in more direct dribbling and purposeful ball carrying. Even central defenders like Akanji, as well as midfielders such as Mahmoud Dahoud, attempted surges forward to destabilize Frankfurt’s defensive banks.
Hazard, in particular, emerged as the most prolific dribbler during the match, aligning with Dortmund’s frequent use of him on the right to break lines and attract defenders. In total, Dortmund completed sixteen successful dribbles compared to just two by Frankfurt. This willingness to drive with the ball complemented Dortmund’s vertical transition game and contributed directly to their attacking potency.
Defensive Weaknesses and Transition Risks
Despite the overwhelming attacking success, Dortmund’s defensive issues remained evident. Quick transitions from Frankfurt exposed recurring vulnerabilities that have troubled Dortmund for years. The main danger areas were the half-spaces left open after advanced positioning by Bellingham, Reyna, or Reus. When possession was lost, Dortmund sometimes struggled to reorganize and plug gaps in central and wide regions.
Frankfurt managed to score twice despite limited opportunities, highlighting lapses in defensive discipline and spatial awareness. The starting back line—comprising Passlack, Witsel, Akanji, and Schulz—was not Rose’s preferred defensive quartet, yet the tactical structure itself demanded attention. Future solutions may include more conservative attacking numbers or using a specialist defensive midfielder to shield transitions more effectively.
Conclusion: Promise and Adjustments Ahead for Rose’s Dortmund
Marco Rose’s first Bundesliga match in charge demonstrated Dortmund’s attacking promise, tactical innovation, and newfound energy. The blend of fluid formations, vertical pressing, and proactive ball progression resulted in a comprehensive attacking display. However, to challenge for the title, defensive organization—especially in transition—needs refinement.
As the season unfolds and players like Raphael Guerreiro return, Rose may further tweak his approach, searching for the right balance between free-flowing offense and greater solidity at the back. Dortmund’s five-goal spectacle signals excitement for supporters, but continued improvements in defensive coordination will be crucial to achieving consistent, sustainable success.
