Bundesliga 2021/22: Matchday 4 Tactical Breakdown
The Bundesliga has once again delivered drama, tactical intrigue, and surprises for fans and analysts alike. With high-scoring battles, big club showdowns, and an ongoing battle at the top of the table, Matchday 4 offered a wealth of talking points. Below, we dive into the tactical details and nuances from the weekend’s standout games, offering insights into the evolving strategies of Germany’s top sides.
Bayern Munich’s Ruthless Counterattacks Dismantle Leipzig
Bayern Munich’s emphatic 4-1 victory away at RB Leipzig was not just a statement of intent from the champions but also exposed cracks in Jesse Marsch’s early tenure. Leipzig set up in a straightforward 4-2-3-1, featuring experienced players like Kevin Kampl, Konrad Laimer, and Angelino, seemingly in an attempt to match Bayern’s firepower and technical prowess. However, this conservative approach struggled to contain the dynamic attacking movements of Bayern.
Surprisingly, it was Leipzig who edged possession—unusual against a Bayern side typically dominating the ball. Yet, their control in midfield translated into few genuine chances. Bayern thrived by ceding territory and utilizing their explosive wide players, especially Alphonso Davies and Leroy Sane on the left, to spring devastating counterattacks. Jamal Musiala’s introduction in the second half was pivotal—his direct running and ability to exploit Angelino’s defensive weaknesses led to key moments that Bayern ruthlessly converted.
In contrast, Leipzig’s attack looked blunt. Andre Silva, isolated at striker, found little space and was neutralized by Bayern’s central defenders. With intricate build-up largely absent, Leipzig relied on speculative long-range efforts—one of which, a stunner from Laimer, provided their lone goal. Their most frequent avenue of attack, crosses into the box from Angelino and Szoboszlai, brought little threat, as Silva failed to win aerial duels and Bayern’s back line cleared most deliveries with ease. Bayern’s victory was never in serious doubt and underlined their efficiency on the break and the depth of offensive options under Julian Nagelsmann.
Frankfurt and Stuttgart Play Out a Tactical Stalemate
Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart’s 1-1 draw showcased two teams evenly matched both in quality and tactical shape. Frankfurt, under Oliver Glasner, set up in a 4-2-3-1 and sought to control possession, while Stuttgart deployed their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation. The tactical chess match was fierce, with each side working to gain the upper hand in midfield and in the wide areas.
Frankfurt’s left wing provided the majority of their attacking impetus, as Filip Kostic and Christopher Lenz—alternating at left-back—advanced relentlessly. Even right winger Jens Petter Hauge often gravitated toward that side to influence play, leading to a noticeable imbalance in Frankfurt’s forward movements.
Stuttgart responded by positioning their wingers wide to double up defensively and restrict Frankfurt’s build-up on the flanks. This meant new signing Omar Marmoush was frequently separated from midfield support, creating a shape that often resembled a defensive 3-6-1. Midfielders Karazor and Endo took turns shadowing Daichi Kamada, Frankfurt’s creative midfielder, effectively limiting his influence in dangerous areas.
Transition phases saw both teams roam forward energetically, but clear-cut chances were rare. Stuttgart, when in attack, stretched the play, making use of the full width of the pitch, but Frankfurt’s aggression in duels ensured that neither side could seize control for long. In the end, the share of points reflected a game where tactical discipline outweighed attacking risk.
Dortmund’s Persistence Prevails in Seven-Goal Thriller Against Leverkusen
Borussia Dortmund’s 4-3 win at Bayer Leverkusen delivered another thriller, underlining both the attacking talents and defensive frailties of Marco Rose’s side. Dortmund, despite collecting the points, once again showed vulnerability in defensive transitions—a theme from previous matches this season.
The inclusion of Marin Pongracic allowed Axel Witsel to return to midfield, shifting Mahmoud Dahoud into more advanced zones on the left, theoretically increasing Dortmund’s ability to build up and transition smoothly. In practice, however, this left the midfield exposed. Dahoud frequently pushed higher than Julian Brandt, and with Witsel lacking recovery pace, Dortmund’s slowness in transition was repeatedly punished by Leverkusen’s quick counterattacks.
Leverkusen capitalized on this disorder with star forwards Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby exploiting spaces behind Dortmund’s back line. While Dortmund’s full-backs, Thomas Meunier and Raphael Guerreiro, pushed high on the flanks, the absence of natural width higher up left them exposed defensively and neutralized their own attempts to switch play.
Despite their defensive difficulties, Dortmund’s quality in attack—led by Erling Haaland—ensured they always had a goal threat. Leverkusen’s own tactics proved effective, with Kerem Demirbay dropping deep to support the center-backs, allowing wide defenders Bakker and Frimpong to surge forward and stretch Dortmund’s formation. Wirtz joined Schick in pressing from the front, giving Leverkusen a compact shape while in defense.
Ultimately, a handful of key defensive lapses and failure to track runners cost Leverkusen dearly. Dortmund’s resourcefulness in the final minutes allowed them to edge a contest that could have swung either way, securing vital points while highlighting persistent vulnerabilities that Rose must address.
Bundesliga Title Race Remains Wide Open
Matchday 4 brought headline results and tactical revelations across the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich’s blend of counterattacking fireworks and squad depth keeps them among the clear favorites, though Wolfsburg continues to quietly set the pace at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Dortmund’s exhilarating but flawed performances underline the competitive nature of this season’s title fight.
With every round bringing new storylines and strategic adjustments, the Bundesliga’s early season remains compelling for fans and analysts alike. Stay tuned for further tactical analyses as the campaign unfolds.
