The behavior of tribological systems is a multiscale problem, influenced by a multitude of variables. In many cases of tribocouples consisting of metals, plastic deformation determines wear. To establish a basic understanding of the fundamental processes of plastic deformation of sliding metal surfaces, the analysis of model systems is an important approach. However, those model systems differ in many aspects from technical tribological systems. Here, we try to bridge the gap between model systems, showing the formation of a so-called dislocation trace line, and engineering applications by performing experiments on tribological systems with some characteristics of technical surfaces. Tests are performed in a lubricated reversing flat-on-flat contact in the mixed lubrication regime. The subsurface microstructures are analyzed by FIB cross sections and T-SEM, indicating the formation of a dislocation trace line also in a multi-asperity flat-on-flat contact. The results allow a differentiated discussion of the effects of tribological loading observed in model systems and the transfer to engineering applications.