Season story
The 2011/12 season was the manifestation of an ideal. Jürgen Klopp had shaped Borussia Dortmund from a sleeping talent factory into a high-performance team admired across Europe. With an average age of 25, enormous work rate and relentless Gegenpressing, the Black-and-Yellows won the Bundesliga with 81 points and added the DFB-Pokal — the domestic double.
The dominance was remarkable: only one defeat, fewer goals conceded than anyone else, and a team spirit that was infectious. Robert Lewandowski scored in bunches, Shinji Kagawa and Mario Götze played the No. 10 roles with near-telepathic understanding, and Lucas Barrios provided physical presence. Mats Hummels directed operations from defense, while Marcel Schmelzer and Łukasz Piszczek pressed the flanks high. The style was simple to describe and hard to play: win the ball, move it forward quickly, overrun the opponent.
The 5-2 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final was the exclamation mark. Dortmund dominated not only the league but also sent a message in the direct duel with their great rival. For historians, this season marks the peak of the Klopp era in the Ruhr — before Götze's move to Bayern and the later Liverpool chapter.
What set Dortmund 2011/12 apart from other title-winning sides was how the championship was celebrated: as a victory of an idea. Klopp had not only shaped players but an entire club culture — the Südtribüne, the choreographies, the feeling that something special was growing here. Many observers saw this team as the counter-design to Bayern: young instead of expensive, brave instead of managed. If you are planning a perfect season, let that passion inspire you — but when you play against them, keep a cool head, pass cleanly and hand out no gifts.
In 34-0-0, Dortmund 2011/12 play Gegenpressing — and that changes things: your counter is possession. That sounds simple, but it is not. Strength 86 and Attack 88 mean they remain dangerous even with little of the ball. If you try to out-possess them, you must pass with extreme precision; one mistake and they are immediately back in front of your goal.
Tactical DNA
Style: Gegenpressing · Strength: 86 · Title tier
Counter in the game: Counter. They press — sting them on the counter.
Key players & ratings
| Player | Pos | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Marco Reus (The Dortmund lad – quick and unforgettable) | LW | 88 |
| Robert Lewandowski (Four goals vs Real – 2013 semifinal hero) | ST | 88 |
| Mats Hummels | CB | 87 |
| İlkay Gündoğan | CM | 87 |
| Mario Götze | CAM | 87 |
| Roman Weidenfeller (Captain of the 2012 double heroes) | GK | 86 |
Best XI
| Pos | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Roman Weidenfeller | 86 |
| LB | Marcel Schmelzer | 84 |
| CB | Mats Hummels | 87 |
| CB | Neven Subotić | 84 |
| RB | Łukasz Piszczek | 84 |
| CDM | Sebastian Kehl | 83 |
| CM | İlkay Gündoğan | 87 |
| CM | Mario Götze | 87 |
| LW | Marco Reus | 88 |
| ST | Robert Lewandowski | 88 |
| RW | Jakub Błaszczykowski | 84 |
Beating this team in 34-0-0
Against Dortmund 2011/12, attack with possession to break their pressing machine. Watch the scouting report: when they sit back, stay calm on the ball, use short passes and slow the tempo down. Classic wingers and a strong defensive midfielder help you escape the press. Be careful in the away leg — their Gegenpressing often peaks in the second half.
FAQ
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Last updated: 2026-08-03