VfL Wolfsburg – Bayern Munich: Rollercoaster Opening Day Win For ...

Vincent Kompany got off to a winning start in the Bundesliga, but his Bayern side needed to come from behind to secure their victory. After a dominant, albeit largely unthreatening, first half display, in which Bayern led 1-0, the away side had a rude awakening ten minutes into the second half, with Wolfsburg scoring twice to take the lead. However, in the 82nd minute, Bayern played through their opponents to find the winner.

Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Smoothy.

For the first time in twelve seasons, Bayern Munich went into a new Bundesliga campaign not as defending champions. After a third placed finish in 2023/24, it has been a summer of relative rebuild in Bavaria. 

Following a prolonged, and at times unsuccessful, search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, Bayern settled upon Vincent Kompany to take the managerial reins. On the pitch, incomings have included the coveted Michael Olise, long-term target João Palhinha, and ball-playing defender Hiroki Ito, who is expected to be out injured for a few months. The most notable departures at the club have been Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraou and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, with more rumored to be exiting before the transfer window closes.

The record 33-times champions, kicked-off their 2024/25 season with a trip to Wolfsburg. Hosts for the day finished 12th last term, with current manager Ralph Hasenhüttl coming in with eight games to go to guide the club away from relegation. The home side have a lengthy injury list going into the new campaign, but were able to name three changes from their 1-0 . . .