Bayern Munich will begin the 2025-26 Bundesliga season by welcoming RB Leipzig to Allianz Arena on Friday.
The Bavarians reclaimed the top-flight crown last term, while Leipzig finished seventh in the league to miss out on European football for the first time in nine seasons.
Match Preview
Not everyone was convinced when Bayern appointed Vincent Kompany as their manager last summer.
But the Belgian boss led his side to an excellent 2024-25 campaign, as they dethroned Bayer Leverkusen by finishing 13 points above them in the standings.
Bayern crashed out of the FIFA Club World Cup in the quarter-final, but they made a winning start to the new campaign by beating Stuttgart 2-1 in the German Super Cup earlier this month.
On the other hand, Leipzig recorded 14 points fewer last season than they managed in 2023-24.
They were winless in their final five league matches last season, registering two defeats and three draws.
The Red Bulls will be looking to make a comeback this year under new head coach Ole Werner, who came into the job after stints at Holstein Kiel and Werder Bremen.
Werner began his reign by leading his team to a 4-2 triumph over Sandhausen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.
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Bayern will be without Jamal Musiala, who has been ruled out for months due to a serious ankle injury. And so Michael Olise is expected to take his place in midfield.
Leipzig lost star striker Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United earlier this month. The Slovenian’s departure means Lois Openda will likely lead their attack against the Bavarians on Friday.
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig potential line-ups
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Olise, Diaz; Kane
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Seiwald, Schlager; Bakayoko, Xavi, Nusa; Openda
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig prediction
Musiala’s absence will be a blow for Kompany’s side, but they still boast plenty of attacking quality and should pick up maximum points against Leipzig on Friday.
Bayern Munich 2-1 RB Leipzig
