THREAD:

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich: LIVE Data-Analytics.

I will provide statistics and analysis before, throughout and after the game today.

This is the first one I have done since football has stopped. Excuse the rustiness!

I hope you enjoy!

Since 2016, Dortmund and Bayern have met seven times in Bundesliga:

16/17:
Dortmund 1-0 Bayern
Bayern 4-1 Dortmund

17/18:
Dortmund 1-3 Bayern
Bayern 6-0 Dortmund

18/19:
Dortmund 3-2 Bayern
Bayern 5-0 Dortmund

19/20:
Bayern 4-0 Dortmund
Dortmund N-N Bayern

In the Bundesliga, the ball is in play for an average of 54:25 minutes. However, in games between Dortmund and Bayern since 2016 the ball has been in play for 59:42 minutes (23:40 – Dortmund | Bayern – 36:02).

Both teams want to play on the ball.

3’ — the xG for Håland's shot was 0.03 due to distance and Neuer's positioning. However, it does not factor in Boateng's positioning unless there is an extremely advanced xG model – maybe in a few years.

This is one of the limitations of xG models.

5’ — Lewandowski will know certain weaknesses of Hummels from the latter's time at Bayern which Lewandowski feels he can exploit. I suspect Lewa to attempt quick first steps to the side in preparation to shoot quickly. It is a weakness of Hummels in my humble view.

8’ — Davies ran a speed of 35.3 km/h when he recovered vs Håland.

10’ — Notice that commentators will often praise Davies’ recovery. The question we need to ask is:

“Why is he recovering so much?”

So far, Dortmund have exploited space behind him on three separate occasions in just 10 minutes.

13’ — It will be interesting to see whether or not a Dortmund player will take the risk of following up a Håland/Hazard run by anticipating a wayward clearance by Neuer.

I think it can be quite an effective response to him.

17’ — Dortmund currently have just 41.5% territory but it is not necessarily an issue. They are exploiting Bayern's high line by playing more directly to the likes of Håland and co.

19’ — Gnabry's failure to support Davies defensively is not helped by Kimmich or Goretzka playing more centrally. With Dortmund's Hazard moving centrally it is forcing Bayern centrally and ultimately leaving Davies exposed.

22’ — Gnabry's chance in the 19th minute had an xG of 0.40.

— The majority of Bayern's initial has been down the left whilst their final ⅓ attack has been down their right. This is quite interesting though I do not see it as tactical but merely a consequence of game state.

27’ — Dortmund are so focused on transitioning quickly that they are not utilising Brandt as much. The majority of his 22 touches have been in defensive areas.

28’ — Łukasz Piszczek has been the best player on the pitch for me. His positioning against Gnabry coupled with his vital interceptions and defensive work have almost nullified Bayern attacks down their left.

30’ — Dortmund (39.7km) have covered more distance so far than Bayern (38.4km) but the latter have made more sprints (109 vs 81).

33’ — THAT was a tremendous recovery by Davies there, I must say. Håland's touches weren't as clean as usual and he had to redirect himself which obviously is lost ground but the ground Davies’ made up and his awareness to read potential danger was nice to see.

35’ — Łukasz Piszczek, once again, makes a vital interceptions. He has been a wonderful player over his career and he has been, for me, the best on the pitch thus far.

39’ — Davies gets through 1 vs 4 but Hummels’ defending was so experienced. That sort of composure is invaluable.

44’ — WOW! A nice goal by Joshua Kimmich!

I say ‘nice’ as the attempt was fantastic BUT Burki has to save it. He got enough of a hand on the ball and yet did not produce enough contrasting force which he is more than able to do.

A good goal but poor keeping.

Half Time:

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Bayern Munich

A Joshua Kimmich goal puts Bayern ahead. It's been a good battle in midfield with a few openings but in big games it's often individuality (Kimmich–Burki) that makes the difference.

Half Time:

The overall xG is 0.30 – 0.56 but the majority of Bayern's have come from one chance from Gnabry.

Bayern's dominance, lovely intricate football in tight spaces at times, allowed them to gain more territory as the half progressed.

Half Time:

Bayern Munich are on course to improve on their distance covered and sprints from their last game.

Big game? Big performances.

Half Time:

Joshua Kimmich has covered more distance (6.8km) than any other player on the pitch. He averages 12.9km per 90 this season and is on course to eclipse this against Dortmund.

47’ — Generally speaking, Reus and Sancho have started more so than Hazard and Brandt. Brandt, in particular, has started the least from them when all have been fit so it is unsurprising that he is replaced.

Unless Delaney is injured I am surprised he has been replaced.

49’ — Sancho started on the left and now he is on the right. As I type this he is shifting into the centre and then roaming between there and the left.

This is Jadon Sancho. Positioning flexible.

58’ — Dortmund lack composure on the transition. Often when Bayern possessions break down Borussia are playing far too quickly up the pitch with little proficiency. It's not determined play. It's haste.

They need to be slightly more patient.

59’ — THAT has to be a handball…surely?! Boateng STUCK his arm OUT to block Håland's shot! There was no appeal? No check? Really?

Poor.

62’ — Look at Guerreiro's touches today. He has been defending deeper due to Bayern's territory and has been rendered almost entirely redundant offensively.

66’ — Jadon Sancho will move to the offensive prowess of Guerreiro and Hakimi to Shaw and Wan-Bissaka.

…slightly different.

70’ — Reyna, 17-years old, is getting ready to come on.

He excels technically whilst he will improve physically throughout the upcoming years.

I am excited to see him.

72’ — Håland looks like he pulled up. It was a tough game today and he was often isolated but he showed good movement and intent when on the ball.

He will improve and it will be great to see!

75’ — Davies won the ball but receives a yellow. It's a tough decision and I feel the referee made it due to the atmosphere surrounding the transition. It often exacerbates any result.

78’ — The highest xG chance Dortmund have had is 0.08 which was Guerreiro's FK. It has been a tough game.

80’ — Dortmund switch from a 3-4-3 to a 4-2-3-1. This is a straight match-up against Bayern Munich and more offensive. Dortmund's 3-4-3 was a 5-4-1 for the majority of the game. So, a 5-4-1 to a 4-2-3-1 is a more offensive change.