Bayern Munich: 5 Ways They Must Improve from Dortmund Loss

The race for the German title appears all but over after Borussia Dortmund claimed a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich last night and moved six points clear at the top of the table.

For Bayern, the loss means that their only chance at success this year is in the UEFA Champions League, where they currently sit in the semifinals.

If the German powerhouse is to overcome Spanish giant Real Madrid and progress through to the final, they must address their mistakes that cost them the match against Dortmund.

Here's five ways in which Bayern must improve from the Dortmund loss if they hope to achieve European glory this season.

1. They Must Take Advantage of Their Chances

If Bayern are to progress through Real Madrid to the Champions League final, they must take full advantage of the chances and possession that they receive—something they did not do against Dortmund.

Two Ajren Robben misses—one from the penalty spot—stick out clearly and could well have been the difference between winning the Bundesliga and not.

Bayern Munich also chalked up 60 percent possession against Dortmund, yet failed to turn this into anything on the score sheet—something they must address against Real.

If they are to take out the Spanish giants, then Bayern must take full advantage of the chances that they create through their possession and when attacking the goal.

2. They Must Force More Turnovers

Throughout the Champions League, one of Bayern Munich's greatest strengths has been their ability to make successful tackles and interceptions and in doing so, break up the attack of their opposition.

Bayern currently average 23.8 successful tackles and 20.1 successful interceptions per match in the Champions League, but against Dortmund, they chalked up just 18 between both of these categories.

Against a possession-based side like Real Madrid that boasts a prolific offensive record, Bayern must force more turnovers than they did against Dortmund if they are to progress through to the final.

3. They Must Increase Their Pass Accuracy

Looking at the numbers, you'd not be out of place to suggest that there was nothing that poor with Bayern's pass accuracy throughout the Dortmund match—averaging 82 percent for the match.

Yet their four main attacking men all fell below this mark, leaving it to the others to boost the average and clean up from their poor play.

The likes of Mario Gomez (54 percent), Franck Ribery (80 percent), Thomas Muller (79 percent) and Arjen Robben (76 percent) all must improve these numbers if they are to take down the midfield strength of Real Madrid.

4. Bastian Schweinsteiger Must Start

Bastian Schweinsteiger came on for Thomas Muller in the 61st minute of the match and whilst the scores were still locked at 0-0, it became clear over the next half an hour that Bayern must start the midfielder for their match against Real Madrid.

Dortmund's midfield was able to gain control and win the ball far too easily in the first half; Schweinsteiger provided much more resistance to this and began to turn the Bayern midfield back in to the creative and dominant force that it should be.

Whilst he was unable to gain immediate success against Dortmund, by starting in the Champions League semifinal, the German giants stand a far greater chance of progressing than if he does not.

5. They Must Tighten Up at the Back

No offense to the Dortmund striker, for he did have an excellent game, but Robert Lewandowski can score a goal, hit the post and the bar, imagine what Real Madrid could do.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted two incredible goals against Atletico Madrid yesterday and if he is allowed the time and space the Bayern defense allowed Dortmund, then it could very quickly turn in to a flogging for the German nation.

Real Madrid are one of the most dominant attacking teams in the world, and they possess the ability to score seemingly at will. Unless Bayern Munich can address their defense and tighten up at the back, then they may have real trouble progressing through to the UEFA Champions League final.

Having said that, should they address these five ares, then who knows—maybe the German side could very well still be there in a few weeks time.

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