The Bundesliga 2025/26 season starts with a bang as champions Bayern Munich face off against rivals RB Leipzig in a highly anticipated opener. Recent clashes between these two sides have consistently delivered excitement and plenty of goals. Here are five reasons why this match is worth looking forward to:
1) Kompany`s Champions Kick Off the Season
Bayern Munich dramatically won back the Meisterschale last season, showcasing their dominance with 99 goals scored and only 32 conceded. The upcoming season marks a new era without the legendary Thomas Müller, who will leave after the Club World Cup. However, the Leipzig match offers the remaining Bayern players a crucial opportunity to prove they can succeed even without the “Raumdeuter.” After overcoming the challenge posed by Bayer Leverkusen`s historic unbeaten run, Kompany`s side faces the new, arguably tougher, task of defending their title and establishing a prolonged period of dominance.
2) High-Scoring Thriller Expected
This fixture rarely disappoints when it comes to goals. The last ten encounters in the Bundesliga and the DFL Supercup have averaged an impressive 4.6 goals. Their most recent league clash ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, sealed by Yussuf Poulsen`s late equalizer in the 95th minute. Fans should prepare for another exciting, goal-filled spectacle.
3) Opportunity for New Faces to Shine
Strengthening a championship-winning squad is challenging, but Bayern has actively added talent. Tom Bischof has already hinted at his potential during the Club World Cup and is keen to make his mark in the Bundesliga. Jonathan Tah has seemingly settled well in central defense alongside Dayot Upamecano. Leipzig`s primary first-team addition is 20-year-old Ezechiel Banzuzi, but perhaps more significantly, they welcome new head coach Ole Werner, 37, who aims to inject fresh energy into their youthful team.
4) A Fascinating Tactical Battle Awaits
Kompany`s initial season at Bayern revealed his strategic approach, favoring aggressive man-oriented pressing and dynamic attacking play, tactics reportedly well-received by the players. Combined with Leipzig`s proven capability to match Bayern`s intensity, the stage is set for a compelling tactical encounter. Ole Werner, from his tenure at Bremen, demonstrated himself as a shrewd tactician, emphasizing patient build-up play interspersed with direct attacks. Leading a higher-quality Leipzig squad, the young coach has the potential to evolve his methods and achieve even greater tactical success.
5) An Emerging Bundesliga Rivalry
While not a historic derby, recent meetings between Leipzig and Bayern have certainly carried the intensity and drama characteristic of a rivalry. Both clubs consistently challenge for top honors in the league. Leipzig notably denied Bayern an early title celebration last season by securing a draw late in the campaign. Furthermore, the team from Saxony has proven a difficult opponent for Bayern, losing only twice in their last seven encounters. This upcoming match, featuring new players and managers, promises to add another exciting chapter to this developing rivalry!
