It’s the biggest game of the Bundesliga season. Everyone who wants a title race will be rooting for Dortmund. Everyone who, uh, is a Bayern fan will be rooting for Bayern. Kick off is at 930 AM PST. I’ll be here right around then, and please feel free to chat amongst yourselves before then, too.
I feel like I'm watching a different game than a couple of you guys. Dortmund have just easily broken into Bayern's penalty area the last three times they won possession. There's way more space for them.
Hey now, soccer is a dynamic game, that all happened after a spell of Bayern possession. Dortmund is, literally and figuratively, starting to counter-punch
True, and my view could be biased cause I'm working and watching but in my view I think Dortmund has found success creating chances in transition. That's not to say they aren't possessing the ball too - they're doing that much better than in previous games I've watched v Bayern.
Weird technique for Burki there. Watching it in slow-mo doesn't really do much to show how hard it was to save, but he kind of tried to flick it inward, rather than using the full force of his arm to push it over the bar.
I'm obviously a huge fan of all halftime subs. Did Favre (and the various fitness metrics) just think that Sancho and Can only could go for 45 minutes? If so, I don't hate the idea of holding them for the second half.
disappointing match from Hakimi. I thought he would be looking to show he is just as talented a young player as Davies, but Davies ended up clearly being better.
Update: I can't post images in here, unfortunately, but the graphic I've got in front of me has Hakimi and Davies's avg positions at basically the exact same spot on the field -- a couple yards into Bayern's half.
I'm not sure if it was visible in the international broadcast as well but on German TV they showed a graphic saying that shot had a chance of 6% of going in... That's new for the DFL
I'm another of the Canadian Phonzie stans tuning in from the Great White North. (It's 89 degrees F outside right now, but never mind). FWIW, we aren't getting the fake crowd noise here. So presumably the default Bundesliga international feed comes au naturale.
That was a rough second half. Definitely the first game back so far where I felt like the gameplay was actually different. In addition to the Haaland injury, Sancho and Can didn't look like they were 100-percent either. Pretty low quality match in terms of the chances both teams created, too. But, it was still fun! A ton of talent out there, and there really wasn't much to separate the two sides, other than Kimmich's chip. Special goal to, in all likelihood, clinch their eight-straight title.
Took Dortmund +.5 because Bayern is lame and I love Haalands beautiful blonde locks. Already discouraged after reading the Davies article but that’s ok. Heja BVB!!
@Ryan O'Hanlon the TAA debate! @Patrick S I talked about it for TAA, and the jist was 'why take a huge attacking threat from FB away and put it in midfield if you are world class?' I think it can be done in a 4-3-3, but you need a real dedicated holding mid
I think with TAA it makes sense to keep him on the outside since so little of Liverpool's attack comes through the middle of the pitch, but for teams that want to work more through the center you can see the appeal of having that kind of speed, passing ability, and defensive ability charging through the middle.
I just don't really think there are many players out there like Kimmich/Lahm/TAA. It totally depends on the makeup of the team. If anything, I think it just shows how useful it is to have versatile players; it gives you more potential solutions to solve your problems.
Is Bayern's plan here to just be okay with these counters and trust Davies/Boateng to cover 1 on 1? Because it doesn't seem like they are giving them much cover from the midfield with Kimmich sort of flying around and Goretzka... biding his time?
Just wanted to mention for posterity that Dahoud stalled 3 drives with long range shots that had a .03 or less XG, 2 of the shots coming in the closing minutes before he was subbed off.
Reyna > Davies > Haaland
Are you on First Take?
Tired: Haaland Wired: Reyna
checks out
Difference in the game so far is Roman Burki's weak wrist and Jerome Boateng's powerful bicep.
I feel like I'm watching a different game than a couple of you guys. Dortmund have just easily broken into Bayern's penalty area the last three times they won possession. There's way more space for them.
They've been one well timed pass away from a clear goal. And theyve had more than 3 opportunities.
It also just seems like Dortmund aren't getting the space at the end of the breakaways that I'm used to seeing from them.
Hey now, soccer is a dynamic game, that all happened after a spell of Bayern possession. Dortmund is, literally and figuratively, starting to counter-punch
When most of your chances are coming in transition it's going to seem like the other team is dominating.
Possession is basically 50-50!
Interesting, I just feel like time of possession in the final third is a huge Bayern advantage... Got to be style of attack, as you've highlighted
True, and my view could be biased cause I'm working and watching but in my view I think Dortmund has found success creating chances in transition. That's not to say they aren't possessing the ball too - they're doing that much better than in previous games I've watched v Bayern.
Weird technique for Burki there. Watching it in slow-mo doesn't really do much to show how hard it was to save, but he kind of tried to flick it inward, rather than using the full force of his arm to push it over the bar.
Flick in inward to try to keep it in play to prevent a corner?
No, he flicked his fingers in toward his wrist to, I guess, flip it over the bar by giving it some top spin.
Weird technique indeed
Too much sauce
Wow.
What just happened. That was almost as good as Clint Dempsey
Amazing.
Great defending by Boateng.
hated it
Apparently VAR doesn't exist anymore.
VAR IS SELF ISOLATING
Best comment
Erling's first touch wasnt that great though either
How is that not even looked at by VAR?
The 'perfect' slip
I'm obviously a huge fan of all halftime subs. Did Favre (and the various fitness metrics) just think that Sancho and Can only could go for 45 minutes? If so, I don't hate the idea of holding them for the second half.
How long do you expect before Bayern makes their first sub?
Pretty even game so far, imo.
Shots: Bayern 6, 4 on target; Dortmund 7 (2)
Final third passes: Bayern 61; Dortmund 41
Penalty-area passes: Bayern 5; Dortmund 9
Dortmund .30 XG Bayern .56 xg
Dortmund couldn't find that one killer touch/pass and Kimmich did
Honestly gotta hand it to the Dortmund fans today. They were in it every minute of the way
Hakimi has been pretty quiet all match. Goretzka-esque performance. (Trying to reverse-jinx this for Sam.)
disappointing match from Hakimi. I thought he would be looking to show he is just as talented a young player as Davies, but Davies ended up clearly being better.
Phonzie has been loud. These things are related.
Javi Martinez is a "mistimed tackle leading to a free-kick equalizer" waiting to happen.
NEED
Update: I can't post images in here, unfortunately, but the graphic I've got in front of me has Hakimi and Davies's avg positions at basically the exact same spot on the field -- a couple yards into Bayern's half.
Post on twitter and then share a link?
Mason Greenwood puts that in the net
THIS IS NOT HOW YOU COVER +.5, FAVRE!!!!
I'm not sure if it was visible in the international broadcast as well but on German TV they showed a graphic saying that shot had a chance of 6% of going in... That's new for the DFL
I saw it on FS1!
Fox didn't show that!
I'm another of the Canadian Phonzie stans tuning in from the Great White North. (It's 89 degrees F outside right now, but never mind). FWIW, we aren't getting the fake crowd noise here. So presumably the default Bundesliga international feed comes au naturale.
Quite glad about this too. Fake crowd noise from the broadcasting channel sounds like it would be awful.
Alaba and Müller and a third player I can't really make out are the most vocal so far. Great to hear Alaba direct the back 4
Not sure ive seen that avg position graphic before... Seems like a good tool to tell the story of a progressing game
Loving that part of it. Rumor has it that they'll also be employing xG-based analysis here and there.
'they' being FOX? I'd bet ESPN does it next year
Can a shot be negative xG? If so, Perisic will shoot it.
He's perfect. Added benefit of empty stadiums is it protects fans from his shots.
REYNA COMING ON?!
That was a rough second half. Definitely the first game back so far where I felt like the gameplay was actually different. In addition to the Haaland injury, Sancho and Can didn't look like they were 100-percent either. Pretty low quality match in terms of the chances both teams created, too. But, it was still fun! A ton of talent out there, and there really wasn't much to separate the two sides, other than Kimmich's chip. Special goal to, in all likelihood, clinch their eight-straight title.
Down a goal in a must-win game, Dortmund are now playing without a striker. Interesting strategy.
Doesn't seem like strategy, it seems like quarantine fitness. Is there another option?
More of a "we built a roster with only one recognized striker" issue.
Memba Paco Alcacer? Everyone said he was going to regress to his xG and then he did.
I love the idea of an intern in a booth hitting the whistle/jeer button for a foul. What interesting times
Speaking from experience working in TV, its 100% the person with the least experience being thrown into that job. Please pour one out for them
This is getting sloppy. Can't help but think it's got something to do with the first sudden turnaround post-quarantine (plus an intense first half).
Still no subs from Bayern, feels like that would really change the tide
A goalkeeping coach weighs in on Burki's wrist ... https://twitter.com/davidpreece12/status/1265332483006115841
Cool find. How much would that push Burki further down on that graph you had for goalkeeping performances to show Gulacsi's great play?
Took Dortmund +.5 because Bayern is lame and I love Haalands beautiful blonde locks. Already discouraged after reading the Davies article but that’s ok. Heja BVB!!
YES!!!!!!!!
wow stoppage time today...interesting
They really don't want to see you win
don't worry...I am (somehow) still employed and thus feel obligated to lose money gambling on bundelisga for the entertainment of NGITG subscribers
Handball
BVB should move Hakimi to left-back so he can run at Pavard. Davies has neutralized him on the right
Is it fair to say this game has 3 of the 6 best players in the world that are 21 and under. Haaland Davies, and Sancho when he eventually subs on?
Who are the other 3... TAA, Mbappe... Havertz?
You forgot Wes McKennie
I was thinking De ligt as the last one
Haven't seen a lot of him personally. All I've got is Ajax UCL and Fifa ratings
Insert evergreen "not sure what Goretzka is supposed to be doing for Bayern" comment
Hummels just juggled a ball over his head and then ran by him without getting touched. Says it all.
In other USMNT related news - Sargent w/ the start for Werder today
Neuer's distribution breaking the pressure 👀
BVB have no target man and you can definitely tell they are a bit confused as to how to attack...
idk dahoud scores some bangers in my fm save so
Felt like Dahoud got an unfair card
what is going on with dahoud's shorts?
i just now remembered mueller is playing bc sancho nutmegged him
If EB Haaland doesn't score today, we get to write him off in perpetuity as a flat track bully, right? That's how the rules work?
Someone will write the Why United Should Sitck With Greenwood Over Haaland column, too.
'The Dangers of Unlimited Potential', a column
if Guierero doesnt score that goal after Haaland's miss this past weekend, the conversation will already have started.
Davies Alaba Boateng Pavard seems like a really well balanced backline.
Flick choosing that backline over moving Kimmich to RB, Pavard inside has to be the tactical decision that defined the season.
Is Kimmich the best argument for why teams should consider moving skilled wide fullbacks into more central roles?
@Ryan O'Hanlon the TAA debate! @Patrick S I talked about it for TAA, and the jist was 'why take a huge attacking threat from FB away and put it in midfield if you are world class?' I think it can be done in a 4-3-3, but you need a real dedicated holding mid
I think with TAA it makes sense to keep him on the outside since so little of Liverpool's attack comes through the middle of the pitch, but for teams that want to work more through the center you can see the appeal of having that kind of speed, passing ability, and defensive ability charging through the middle.
I just don't really think there are many players out there like Kimmich/Lahm/TAA. It totally depends on the makeup of the team. If anything, I think it just shows how useful it is to have versatile players; it gives you more potential solutions to solve your problems.
Of course. The Kimmich move felt necessary for Bayern, and Liverpool has been doing its thing with TAA at the back going into year 3
Who is Lahm?
goretzka is just a less handsome Emre Can
Dempsey-esque
Jesus Christe, Davies almost went 1-on-5 for a goal
Is Bayern's plan here to just be okay with these counters and trust Davies/Boateng to cover 1 on 1? Because it doesn't seem like they are giving them much cover from the midfield with Kimmich sort of flying around and Goretzka... biding his time?
What DOES Goretzka do?
Occasionally scores goals. He's like Wijnaldum from a couple years ago, but without the thing where he never loses the ball.
davies >>> haaland
Looking forward to seeing how well this holds up.
Just wanted to mention for posterity that Dahoud stalled 3 drives with long range shots that had a .03 or less XG, 2 of the shots coming in the closing minutes before he was subbed off.
This chat was really fun! Thanks Ryan and everyone
Thanks David, and thanks for participating. Congrats on the W.
Ugh. Once again the Bundesliga season goes to Bayern as Dortmund lose a "title decider" without scoring.
Bayern have made their sub choices today to help #teamSam as much as possible but once Haaland left, Dortmund got lost
This was a great first chat. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for the platform, Ryan!
Thanks buddy. Glad you enjoyed.