Borussia Dortmund secured a respectable 2-2 draw in Munich, boosting morale significantly. A team once thought to be out of contention is now just six points away from fourth place in the Champions League and three points from sixth. Gregor Kobel confidently stated: “Of course, we still aim to reach the Champions League.” Niko Kovac, Dortmund’s ambitious coach, rebuked his players after the 4-0 loss to Barcelona, changing tactics and delivering a stern speech to get the team back on track. Key takeaways from Dortmund’s performance in Der Klassiker are analyzed below.

Five-Man Defense Brought Stability

After a heavy defeat in Barcelona with a four-man defense, Kovac reverted to a three or five-man defensive system for the Munich match. Emre Can, the team captain, said: “A three or five-man defense suits us better for now; it makes us more stable.” However, this change wouldn’t have been possible without Kovac’s intervention.

According to Sky, Kovac gave a fiery speech in the locker room on Thursday, heavily criticizing the defensive effort (lack of passion!) and tactical execution. Can added: “The coach chose the right words and showed what went wrong and what the standard should be.” This was the second time in five weeks that Kovac openly criticized and even penalized players.

This wake-up call is precisely what the inconsistent Dortmund needs to focus in the final weeks of the season. Kovac must stick to the three-center-back system—Waldemar Anton, Can, and Nico Schlotterbeck, who returned after two months.

Kobel Regained Reliability

Gregor Kobel, Dortmund’s Swiss goalkeeper, was the best player on the pitch in Munich, making crucial saves. He said: “It feels good to make a few saves again.” Club officials Lars Ricken and Sebastian Kehl praised him. Kobel, last season’s best goalkeeper in the Champions League, had inconsistent form earlier this season. But now, at the critical end of the season, he has returned to his usual reliability.

Anton Steps Up as Leader, but Brandt Remains a Problem

Waldemar Anton, a new signing from Stuttgart, is improving daily, proving why Dortmund signed him. After Schlotterbeck’s injury, he must take on a leadership role. In Munich, Anton showcased his abilities with solid defending and the equalizing goal. On the other hand, Julian Brandt was once again one of Dortmund’s weakest links. Before Bayern’s second goal, instead of making a decisive tackle, he merely shadowed his opponent.

This talented national team player remains in crisis, and Kovac might consider resting him. Dortmund, with improving form—except for the loss to Barcelona—and recent wins against Mainz (3-1), Freiburg (4-1), and the draw in Munich, has shown they can play the hunter role well. Ricken said: “This was important for morale and shows we’ve started the process. We remain the hunters and must stay sharp.”