How Borussia Dortmund can triumph in Der Klassiker

Borussia Dortmund have a huge task ahead of them on Saturday when they face their old foe Bayern Munich. This will be Dortmund’s first challenging team in a while but can they come out victorious?

During Peter Stöger reign at the club, there haven’t been many challenging top-class teams that Dortmund have faced. And previous results have shown an average Bundesliga team. Here’s how this average team can disappoint the champions of Germany and come away with all three points in Der Klassiker.

Invite pressure:

In previous Der Klassiker matches, we’ve seen the team on the backfoot for most of the game. Endless pressure from Bayern often left Dortmund vulnerable from their front three, Lewandowski, Robben, and Ribery. But Der BVB can use this to their advantage.

This, of course, will matter on three factors: The defence, quick players such as Pulisic, and proper handling of pressure. Bayern will come at Dortmund in waves and the defence will need to keep Lewandowski quiet and Robben off his dangerous left foot. So picking the back four will be crucial.

Peter Stöger cannot experiment this time around with Castro at right back. The ideal back four would be Piszcek, Sokratis, Toprak (if fit, although unlikely), and Schmelzer. The experience would pay off especially since everyone at the back has played Bayern Munich multiple times. After inviting pressure from Bayern, Dortmund has to launch a counter-attack. Then comes the next factor: Pace

Execute counter-attacks:

To execute a good counter attack you need to get from one end of the pitch to the other. This could happen from short passes, long balls, and running up the field. And if there is anyone in Dortmund that can run up the field dodging players, it is Christian Pulisic. He has shown time and time again his ability to dribble past players not only on the wing but also in the middle of the park.

Gegenpressing would also be useful in launching a solid counter attack. Dortmund aren’t the German Barcelona who can keep the ball for multiple minutes on end. There will always be that odd misplaced pass or an unsuccessful dribble that hands the ball over to the opposition. This is something Dortmund must act on. With Gegenpressing Dortmund can retain possession quickly as Bayern pounce on any errors made by the opposition.

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Create Space:

If there’s anything dangerous in the Dortmund line up right now, the midfield would be right up there. With plenty of depth and experience, they can control the game on their day. But Bayern know this too, which could work in Dortmund’s favour.

Man marking is especially important in their gameplan. In the previous two encounters, we saw them attempt to keep Aubameyang and an inform Pulisic quiet. But with man marking comes the opportunity to create space. And the Dortmund midfield has plenty of players that Bayern could suppress such as Reus (if fit), Pulisic, Weigl, Maximillian Phillip, and Mario Gotze.

If Bayern choose to go for a man-marking system then this would create all sorts of space for Dortmund to capitalize on. From counter attacks to opportunities in the final third we can expect to see a solid attacking performance. But there is one thing left that will ensure Dortmund goals on Saturday.

Feed the Bat:

And of course the finishing touch. Michy Batshuayi must receive enough of the ball for Dortmund to find the net. Marco Reus is a doubt for the game which leaves only Maximillian Phillip and Batshuayi as lethal goalscorers. We’ve seen Reus, Pulisic, and Batshuayi link up before but without Reus, Pulisic needs to find service from Gotze or Dahoud to feed the bat.

With six goals in seven games, there is no doubt that Batchuayi has been the hero for Dortmund on multiple occasions. He’s come to Dortmund with a point to prove and a star performance against Bayern Munich will certainly raise some eyebrows at Chelsea.

Despite receiving service or not Michy Batshuayi is a player that also pushes back to the midfield area and starts plays himself with key passes. So we can expect a good performance from him, that is if the team steps up to the occasion in hopes of a top-four finish.