Hertha BSC – Hamburger SV 1:0
Hertha BSC is celebrating their best start to a season ever. They convince with their strong transitions during their 1:0 victory over HSV. On the other hand, HSV is missing the right kind of balance.
Borussia Dortmund – Real Madrid 4:1
Germany 8, Spain 1. Borussia Dortmund dominates the “greatest club in the world.”
Borussia Dortmund – Malaga 3:2
The madness dissected.
Eintracht Frankfurt – Schalke 1:0
A Frankfurt team in crisis met Schalke 04 in a fight for the fourth Champions-League berth. Eintracht won three potentially crucial points in a game of differing flank usage.
Everton – Manchester City 2:0
City with the wrong starting formation, then lacking in creativity. Everton ruthlessly exploited the reigning champion’s problems and even showed beginnings of counterpressing.
Barcelona – Rayo Vallecano 3:1
A few months ago, I watched the 0:5 defeat of Rayo Vallecano against Barcelona. Impressed by their (tactical) bravery, the high pressing and the nearly absurdly intense approach, I composed a little hymn of praise – which was harshly criticized. How could a team be any good if it lost that crushingly?
Bayer Leverkusen – Bayern Munich 1:2
This rounds top matchup was played by Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. After the weak performance against Arsenal, the record champions needed to improve, even though the championship seems to be already wrapped up.
Bayern Munich – Borussia M’Gladbach 3:1
The opening game between FC Bayern and Borussia Mönchengladbach was a special game for tactic fetishists.
Bayern Munich – Arsenal 0:2
In Bayern Munich’s first defeat in 2013, Schweinsteiger and Ribery were sorely missed against Arsenal. Bayern’s problems mainly arose out of a lack of presence in central attacking midfield.
Barcelona – AC Milan 4:0
In the second leg of the round of 16 game between Barcelona and AC Milan is bound to become one of the all-time classics of the UEFA Champions League.