Borussia Dortmund – Bayer Leverkusen: Andrich’s Belter The Difference-Maker (0-1)

Bayer Leverkusen had a huge opportunity ahead of their clash against Borussia Dortmund since fifth-placed Hoffenheim dropped points against Augsburg on Friday. With only seven games remaining, there would be few windows to overtake their close competitors. Meanwhile, Dortmund strived to end their successful Bundesliga season strongly, with a chance to showcase their quality against a top team.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

The business end of the Bundesliga season had arrived, with the final seven games remaining. At the very top of the league table, the title seemed almost decided, with a nine-point gap between Borussia Dortmund and reigning champions Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, a dimly lit candle of hope continued burning for Niko Kovač’s side.

For Kasper Hjulmand, Champions League qualification continued to be a priority. Bayer Leverkusen were only a couple of points away from Stuttgart and Hoffenheim. There was even an opportunity to overtake Hoffenheim after they drew 2-2 with Augsburg on Friday night. Thus, the stakes were high for both teams ahead of their Saturday afternoon meeting.

Kovač only made two alterations to the line-up that he played against Stuttgart last weekend. Up front, Fábio Silva was preferred to Maximilian Beier, whilst Carney Chukwuemeka was benched for Julian Brandt in midfield. Meanwhile, Hjulmand made one fewer change, with Ezequiel Fernández replaced by Aleix García in the center of midfield.

Dortmund’s midfield trio creating defensive tensions for Leverkusen’s block

When the home team had possession, Leverkusen’s 5-2-3 middle block faced certain tensions. These were due to the positions occupied by certain players . . .