Match review: Borussia Dortmund 0-3 Bayern München

Felt the score line was harsh on Dortmund and it flattered München a little. Dortmund were missing their first choice back four: Piszczek-Subotic-Hummels-Schmelzer and hence played Großkreutz-Sokratis-Friedrich-Durm. München started the match better but Dortmund wrested control in the middle period of first half and yet München finished the half stronger. Robben is having a bit of renaissance in 2013. He was benched a lot in first half of 12-13 season but the unfortunate injury to Kroos meant Müller moved to center with Robben occupying right wing. He scored the only goal in Dortmund’s 1-0 defeat in DFB Pokal quarters, scored two in CL final, scored again in Dortmund’s DFB Super Cup win. I don't remember whether he played in that drawn Bundesliga match between these two sides last time but 4 goals in 4 games is a pretty good record against a bogey team.

It was a very cagey match reminding me of that 1-0 Dortmund win in Apr 2012 [that game where Robben missed a penalty and Subotic mocked him]. I thought both sides were fairly matched in terms of goal scoring chances. Götze came as a substitute and Dortmund fans let us know their feelings with Götz€ banners. I think it was written in the stars for him to break the deadlock and it was such a beautiful goal too. Collecting Müller's pass at the edge of the box, he beat Weidenfeller with a shot from outside of his foot. He didn't celebrate but the entire München side mobbed him (except Neuer). Dortmund tried their best but Neuer saved a Reus left footed shot. Boateng kicked away the ball at the edge of box before Dortmund (Reus again?) could think of taking a shot. Mkhitaryan took an extra touch instead of heading the ball. Aubameyang's shot was saved. There were chances galore but Dortmund couldn't quite score. What's worse, München went on counter attack with 2 vs 1 advantage and Robben scored from a nice chip. 2-0 and game over. Only, it wasn't yet. There was still time for Robben to slip a pass to Lahm whose low cross was finished by Müller for a 3-0 win. This ends München’s 6 game winless streak against Dortmund in league [4 wins in back to back title winning campaigns under Klopp with last two matches finishing as draws]. Robben scored his 5^th goal vs Dortmund this calendar yr.

Despite all the boring football talk [I tend to be one of them occasionally], it is always interesting to see Pep's tactical changes whether they work or not. The match started with Javi Martínez playing behind Mandzukic with Lahm and Kroos staying deep. Götze came on for Mandzukic making a slight 4-6-0 system. When Dante got subbed for Thiago, Martínez went to the opposite side and started playing CB with Thiago playing CM. Then Van Buyten came on for Rafinha moving Lahm to RB (which is when he assisted the 3^rd goal I think) and Martínez to midfield. So in effect, Martínez played 3 different positions during the course of the match.

Dortmund have now lost 3 games in a row scoring just 1 goal. They were a bit unfortunate in those games [0-1 Arsenal, Wolfsburg 2-1, 0-3 München] and they look to bounce back against Napoli in crucial CL match tomorrow. At least Piszczek is back.

PS

A very well written article on Erik Durm from Bundesligafanatic.