Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Hertha Berlin: Tactical Analysis
Borussia Dortmund secured a controlled 2-0 victory over Hertha Berlin on March 13, 2021, demonstrating a return to form under Edin Terzic. The performance marked the club’s third clean sheet in four Bundesliga matches and showcased key tactical nuances that defined the win. This in-depth analysis dissects Dortmund’s strategy, Hertha’s defensive approach, and the decisive factors behind the Black and Yellows’ success.
Strategic Setups and Tactical Systems
Hertha Berlin entered the match aiming to nullify Dortmund’s dynamic attack with a conservative approach. They deployed a 5-3-2 defensive structure, designed to form a mid-to-low block and restrict space in central areas. On paper, Hertha’s shape was intended to flex into a 3-1-4-2 when they gained possession, to provide options further forward. Yet with only 29% of ball possession throughout the contest, Hertha rarely transitioned from their compact shape, rarely exploiting the wide areas left open by Dortmund’s formation.
Dortmund, in contrast, displayed tactical fluidity. The starting point was a 4-1-4-1, morphing into an aggressive 2-3-5 during sustained attacks. Marco Reus, initially positioned on the right wing, was moved to the left in the second half, creating a more central presence as Dortmund adjusted their attacking focus. This right-sided preference became particularly evident given the absences of Guerreiro and Sancho, leading to a notable overload on the right and a less balanced wide threat. Julian Brandt and Jude Bellingham often separated themselves from deep-lying midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud, aiming to operate between Hertha’s defensive and midfield lines.
Possession Play: A Patient Build-Up
Maintaining their trademark possession-based style, Dortmund predominantly favored slow, deliberate build-ups rather than rapid transitions. Dahoud played a key orchestrator’s role just ahead of the center backs, frequently switching play, particularly toward right-back Mateu Morey. This preference for the right was partly due to injuries that left Dortmund lacking natural width on the left, with Nico Schulz tucking inside in Guerreiro’s absence.
Brandt and Bellingham looked to find pockets between Hertha’s compact midfield lines but were often drawn over to the right flank, supporting combinations with Morey, Reus, and Hazard. The methodical approach in the first half saw Dortmund patiently waiting for Hertha to open up before attempting progressive passes. Only in the second half, after subtle positional adjustments, did Dahoud and his teammates attempt more direct and incisive balls. Despite having the numerical advantage high up the pitch, Dortmund were rarely threatened by Hertha counterattacks, as the visitors struggled to establish any foothold in the final third.
Right Flank Overloads and Tactical Adjustments
A major feature of Dortmund’s attacking play in this fixture was their persistent focus on the right third of the pitch. In the opening 45 minutes, all attacking players regularly converged on the right, aiming to outnumber Hertha and craft openings for crosses or cut-backs. Although this right-sided overload generated some promising moments, Hertha’s disciplined defending thwarted clear-cut opportunities, keeping the scoreline goalless at the interval.
Recognizing the need for a more varied attack, Terzic switched Marco Reus to the left side for the second half and moved Thorgan Hazard over to the right. This shift enabled Reus to operate more freely, finding central pockets to support link-up play. The tactical tweak paid off swiftly, as Reus combined with Brandt for the opening goal. Reus was particularly influential, continually threatening with his sharp movement and incisive passing, and was targeted by Hertha’s press 72% of the time when in possession. Despite a late injury from a rough challenge, his role was instrumental in unlocking the opposition. Substitute Youssoufa Moukoko added energy and capped the win with a late contribution from the left side. Statistically, Dortmund recorded 55% of their attacks down the right, highlighting the initial bias, though their goals came from more balanced combinations.
Intricate Play in the Final Third
Dortmund’s reputation for intricate interplay in attacking areas was on display, with one-touch passing and close combinations a persistent threat to Hertha’s backline. While these sequences did not always result in goals due to a sometimes missing final ball, they reflected vintage Dortmund style. Though Erling Haaland was contained and had a quiet match by his standards, Reus, Brandt, and Hazard drove the attacking impetus. Bellingham, at just 17, also made notable efforts to join attacks through late runs into the box. When Moukoko replaced the injured Reus, he brought fresh legs and attacking urgency, helping to ensure the result. Overall, Dortmund’s collective movement and combination play overwhelmed Hertha, who struggled to keep up with the quick, technical exchanges.
Match Summary and Key Takeaways
Hertha Berlin must be credited for their defensive discipline, as they managed to frustrate Dortmund for long spells and limited their clear opportunities. However, Dortmund’s superior technical quality and tactical adjustments ultimately determined the outcome. The decision to play a 4-1-4-1 with Reus in a freer, more creative role in the second half made a significant impact. This flexibility could be vital for Borussia Dortmund as they push for a top-four finish, especially with Eintracht Frankfurt’s recent slip-ups offering a window of opportunity.
As the season progresses, Dortmund’s newfound defensive solidity combined with their signature attacking interplay suggests they are well-placed to regain momentum in the Bundesliga’s final stretch.
