Bayern Munich – Borussia Dortmund Surprise Four-Back Dortmund Earns Kovač A Point (2-2)

Bayern Munich were mostly dominant in this season’s second encounter with Borussia Dortmund. Kovač surprised everyone with an unusual tactical shift from a five-back into a four-back. Nevertheless, Dortmund still leaked chances. However, the visitors were extremely clinical with their chances and clinched a point, keeping them level with the reigning champions at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

Der Klassiker is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Bundesliga schedule as the German heavyweights face off. With the way the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign have started, it was a particularly interesting tie as both teams were tied at the top, with the goal difference margin placing the reigning champions in first place.

Since Vincent Kompany is still recovering, Aaron Danks remains in charge from the sidelines. A few days before the weekend league fixture, he managed a smooth 6-1 victory over Magdeburg in the DFB Pokal to continue their unbeaten run. Meanwhile, Niko Kovač’s Borussia Dortmund have also maintained their domestic undefeated form after a narrow 3-2 win against Werder Bremen in the same cup competition, having initially lost against Bayern in the DFL Supercup. Nevertheless, Dortmund had a lot of optimism heading into the game as they were well placed to compete against the reigning champions.

Dominating possession in the early period

As expected, Bayern dominated possession, with Dortmund settling into their 4-5-1 out-of- possession structure, which was slightly unusual due to Kovač’s . . .