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

In Lucien Favre’s Borussia Dortmund and Julian Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich seem to have found serious rivals for the Bundesliga title this season. Against FC Köln, Bayern were the clear favourites and in need of points after their draw against Leipzig. Achim Beierlorzer’s Köln, on the other hand, struggled in their first Bundesliga matches this season.

The following tactical analysis will explain the reasons to Bayern’s win over Köln. Moreover, our analysis depicts Köln’s interesting tactical features that enabled them to create several opportunities against the reigning champions.

Lineups and formations

Bayern started into the game with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Although having played with a 4-3-3 system a few times already in this season, Niko Kovač decided to line up Joshua Kimmich and Corentin Tolisso as a double pivot behind playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Bundesliga 2019/20: Bayern Munich vs Koln - tactical analysis tactics
Lineups of Bayern and Köln [Credit: Wyscout]
Köln, on the other hand, used a 4-1-4-1 shape to counter Bayern’s midfield trio. In midfield, Marco Höger was supposed to stabilise the defence in front of the backline while the more dynamic and creative advanced midfielders in Dominick Drexler and Ellyes Skhiri lent Köln more attacking power up front. Moreover, Achim Beierlorzer tasked his wingers, Kingsley Schindler and Florian Kainz, to attack down the flanks and put in crosses for striker Jhon Córdoba.

If you want to read the full tactical breakdown of this game, head over to totalfootballanalysis.com or click HERE


Artwork by @chapulana

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