Three things we learned from Borussia Dortmund’s 4-0 defeat to Bayern
By Brook Genene
It has become an annual thing. There is always much talk and hype about the game between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, only for the Bavarians to come out comfortable winners time and time again.
Borussia Dortmund have not beaten Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga for five years now, with their last Der Klassiker win coming in the DFL-Supercup in 2019. Edin Terzic’s side also lost to their title rivals in the Bundesliga in April before eventually losing the title on goal difference on the final day of the season.
And on Saturday, BVB’s unbeaten start in the league this season came to a halt against the same opposition in devastating fashion. It was a sorry performance from the Black and Yellows, who were dismantled and overwhelmed rather easily by a team that had lost to third division FC Saarbrücken just three days earlier.
Here are three hard lessons we learned from Borussia Dortmund’s 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Edin Terzic still needs to prove his tactical acumen
Edin Terzic’s tenure as Borussia Dortmund head coach has certainly not been a bad one, but doubters remain due to the team’s pragmatic playing style and record in big matches. Despite coming close to the league title in May, the team’s preparation for the big games has continuously been questioned.
On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund were timid early on and fell two goals behind inside the opening nine minutes. They didn’t manage to respond for the rest of the half. Even though the changes at half-time and at the start of the second-half did bring some momentum in the attacking play, the midfield and defence were punished for their repeated mistakes and naïveté.
Borussia Dortmund were caught being sheepish yet again in a big game, and Bayern took full advantage – much like PSG in September, Chelsea in March, and Bayern and RB Leipzig in April.
Terzic and the rest of the BVB decision makers also came under plenty of criticism for their player recruitment in the summer. And Saturday’s performance did little to dispel those doubts, as the gulf in quality between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern once again became very clear.