Borussia Dortmund were handed an unpleasant surprise as they were defeated 3-1 by Union Berlin. Lucien Favre’s side are tipped to be title favourites and came into the game looking for an easy three points.
However, Urs Fischer’s Union Berlin had different plans and put in a clinical performance to defeat Dortmund thanks to a brace from Marius Bülter and a goal from Sebastian Andersson. Earlier, Paco Alcácer had scored for Dortmund to equalize but could not spur them on to win the game.
This tactical analysis aims to look at the key tactics employed by both sides and how it affected the game.
Lineups
Dortmund lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and had a very attacking look to the side. Alcácer led the attack with Julian Brandt and Jadon Sancho on the flanks. Marco Reus started as a number ten. In midfield, Axel Witsel’s absence meant that Julian Weigl was paired with Thomas Delaney. The centre-back pairing of Manuel Akanji and Mats Hummels continued together as Lukasz Piszczek and Achraf Hakimi played on the right and left flank respectively.
Union Berlin opted for a 4-4-2. Anthony Ujah started along with Andersson in attack as Bülter and Sheraldo Becker played out wide. In midfield, Fischer picked the experienced Manuel Schmiedebach along with Robert Andrich. Ex-Dortmund man Neven Subotić started in defence for Berlin along with Marvin Friedrich. Lenz and Trimmel were chosen for the full-back positions.
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