Munich, August 2, 2025 (Newzbuz):
Bayern Munich returned to action this afternoon with a pre‑season friendly at the Allianz Arena, facing Olympique Lyonnais in a curtain‑raiser to their 2025‑26 campaign. The match, beginning at 15:40 CEST (7:10 PM IST), marks the first of three warm‑up games before their Supercup final on 16 August against VfB Stuttgart. Bayern Munich vs Olympique Lyon
Team News & Starting XI Reveal – Bayern Munich vs Olympique Lyon
Bayern fielded a youthful lineup featuring promising academy talents. Tom Bischof, Paul Wanner, and Lennart Karl earned rare starting roles, indicating Vincent Kompany’s experiment-focused approach. Veteran defender Dayot Upamecano returned to action after recovering from injury, while new signing Luis Díaz started on the bench, hinting at cautious integration into the squad.
However, Aleksandar Pavlović, slated to participate, was ruled out due to a fractured orbital bone sustained during training. The 21‑year‑old underwent surgery on Friday and is expected to remain sidelined for three to four weeks, potentially disrupting Bayern’s midfield rotation plans.
Match Context: Why This Friendly Matters
This friendly serves as Bayern’s first major test since their FIFA Club World Cup exit. It allows the team to assess new signings and squad depth, particularly the role of Luis Díaz, who joined from Liverpool earlier this week. Meanwhile, Lyon arrives off a solid pre‑season: victories over FC Villefranche and Mallorca, and a draw against Daring Brussels.
Historically, Bayern hold the upper hand—facing Lyon ten times in UEFA competitions, they won six and never lost in Champions League knockout fixtures, including memorable semi‑final clashes in 2010 and 2020.
In‑Match Report & Key Highlights
Kick‑off was delayed by approximately ten minutes after Bayern players arrived late to the stadium. Nonetheless, both teams delivered a brisk and competitive opening period.
Bayern’s tactical shape featured rotation in midfield, with Wanner and Bischof tasked to test Lyon’s passing build‑up. Lyon countered with disciplined possession and a high pressing rhythm led by Corentin Tolisso, their captain and former Bayern player, anchoring the midfield.
Bayern looked sharp again on the right flank through Sacha Boey, who provided good support after his full return from injury during the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Boey’s crossing created several chances for the Bavarian attackers.
Player Performance Snapshot
- Tom Bischof showed composure in midfield, distributing passes calmly and making several forward runs that caught Lyon off guard.
- Paul Wanner impressed with his energy and pressing intensity.
- Dayot Upamecano returned solidly, able to anticipate through balls and contribute to Bayern’s defensive shape.
Luis Díaz, observing from the bench, warmed up mid‑match and could feature more prominently in the next fixtures if fit.
Outlook: What’s Next for Bayern
The friendly provides a crucial platform for squad assessment ahead of more challenging matchups and the DFL Supercup. Bayern’s head coach Vincent Kompany continues to weigh his options, especially in midfield given Pavlović’s injury, elevating the importance of alternative options like Jamal Musiala, who recently resumed training following a long fibula injury.
Meanwhile, transfer market chatter persists. Bayern remains in pursuit of Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Borussia Dortmund’s Benjamin Šeško despite tough competition from other Premier League clubs.
Why Fans & Analysts Are Watching
This match isn’t just another friendly. It signals Bayern’s reset plan—fresh talent, tactical flexibility, and a rebuilding phase following a trophy-less 2023‑24 season. The experiment will determine whether key players, particularly new signings, can uphold Bayern’s standards.
Lyon’s involvement adds tactical intrigue. Solid in European and domestic tournaments last season, Lyon’s structured Europa League approach and midfield leadership under Tolisso offers Bayern a probing challenge.
Final Word
As the Allianz Arena cheers and pre‑season buzz crescendos, Bayern’s friendly against Lyon offers early signals about tactical depth, player fitness, and squad readiness. With young talents breaking through, new faces finding space, and recovery from injury underway, the clash sets the tone for Bayern’s ambitions in the new season.
Expect more updates as friendly match #2 approaches against Tottenham Hotspur (7 August), and later at Grasshopper Club Zürich before their Supercup final clash. The narrative of Bayern’s rebuilding moves steadily forward.
Fans worldwide can watch via FC Bayern TV Plus on fcbayern.com and the FC Bayern App; no broadcast is available in India on traditional TV channels.
Stay tuned, stay engaged, and let the season preview unfold.
