Feature, Symbolbild, der Spielball auf dem Sockel mit Bundesliga Logo. Deutschland, Stuttgart, 05.03.2022, Fussball, Bundesliga: VfB Stuttgart vs Borussia Moenchengladbach, Saison 2021/2022, 25. Spieltag, Mercedes-Benz Arena Foto: A2 Bildagentur/Peter Hartenfelser DFL/DFB REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO. *** Feature, symbol image, the match ball on the base with Bundesliga logo Germany, Stuttgart, 05 03 2022, football, Bundesliga VfB Stuttgart vs Borussia Moenchengladbach, season 2021 2022, 25 match day, Mercedes Benz Arena Foto A2 Bildagentur Peter Hartenfelser DFL DFB REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND OR QUASI VIDEO
The match between Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig was the duel between two top Bundesliga sides. Since both sides started well into the season, the battle was about the question which side would continue their path of success.
In the following tactical analysis, we will explain the reasons for Leipzig’s defensive 4-2-3-1 setup and how Leverkusen still managed to outplay the opposition press using their box midfield tactics.
Lineups and formations
Lineups of Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig [Credit: Wyscout]Bayer Leverkusen stuck to their usual 3-4-2-1 formation which saw Kai Havertz and Nadiem Amiri playing behind attacker Kevin Volland. The double-pivot consisted of Julian Baumgartlinger and Charles Aránguiz. Baumgartlinger was mainly focused on creating passing lanes to connect with the back three in build-up while Aránguiz connected midfield and attack in a slightly higher role. All in all, Leverkusen focused on attacking down their right side, where wing-back Mitchell Weiser (#23) moved up the line during possession phases. Karim Bellarabi (#38) on the left side did not receive the ball as often like the pass map below displays.
Bayer Leverkusen’s passing map throughout the whole match [Credit: Wyscout]RB Leipzig, on the other hand, played with a 4-4-2 system according to Wyscout. Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha replaced Yussuf Poulsen and played alongside Timo Werner in the attack. The latter one dropped behind Cunha during the defensive phase though, which resulted in a 4-2-3-1 shape when pressing.
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Artwork by @chapulana
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