Die Folgen: Bayern’s 2-1 win over Lyon (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich pulled out a 2-1 victory over Olympique Lyon at the Allianz Arena on Saturday in a match that represented a solid start to the 2025/26 campaign for the Bavarians.
There was much to discuss, so let’s get to it. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
As always, let’s begin with the starting XI:
This was a great way to start the preseason for Vincent Kompany even if the initial XI did not score. It was a pleasure to see some young players like Lennart Karl and Paul Wanner integrated in with the veterans. The head coach was on-point with how he handled and also with using Cassiano Kiala, David Daiber, and Jonah Kusi-Asare in the second half.
João Palhinha was not included in the game day roster because of the ongoing contract talks with Tottenham Hotspur.
Each of the youngsters had solid moments, mixed in with some opportunities to learn. In short, they were excited and exciting, but all need some work.
Speaking of Karl, he had a great opportunity in the 11th minute on a volley, but his rocket of a shot went wide. The kid does have a knock for making things happen.
The big news of the day was that Aleksandar Pavlović suffered a broken orbital bone in training. It is unclear how exactly Pavich suffered the break, but his injury has now opened the door for players like Tom Bischof and Leon Goretzka to make an impact for the next month. Against Lyon, both showed that they are worthy of a chance to start.
Wanner and Karl each bring a bold, fast style of play. It’s almost electric when they get the ball on their foot because they are always looking to attack and looking to create chaos.
Early in the second half Luis Díaz tried to take advantage of the home crowd, acceptance in adoration and almost scored, except for a great save by the Lyon goalkeeper Rémy Descamps.
In the 51st minute, Joshua Kimmich whipped in a ball into the box toward Díaz, who was hauled down. A penalty was awarded and Michael Olise was given the PK. Olise calmly stepped to the spot and drilled his attempt to make it 1-0.
Olise was not done there, though, as nine minutes later Jonathan Tah made a strong tackle, which led to the ball eventually landing on the foot of Serge Gnabry, who fed Olise for his second goal. Olise is clearly in midseason form already.
In the 67th minute, Diaz had another great chance but again was denied. Clearly, Díaz was bringing some electricity to the lineup but just could not finish on this day.
Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez would cut the lead to 2-1 in the 83rd minute, but it was too little, too late.
In extra time, former Manchester United star Nemanja Matić took a swipe at Kimmich’s face and was hit with a yellow card.
Evern without scoring Díaz brought something to the table, which is a good sign after only a few days with the club.
Overall, Bayern Munich looked good...not great. It was a very positive game that accomplished a lot of different things, including shaking the rust off for veterans and giving the kids a chance to play with the older players. All-in-all, it was a good performance and should start to give the Bayern Munich front office an idea of where each of those youngster are in their developmental journey. Inevitably, some will get loaned away, but most seem likely to stay. While a 2-1 victory over a solid (not great) French side like Lyon might not seem like much, every season has to start somewhere...and 2025/26 took a good first step with the victory over Lyon.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Sonny to LAFC gaining steam (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min is reportedly closing in on a move to LAFC:
⚫️ Talks between Heung-Min #Son and Los Angeles FC are ongoing. Tottenham have been informed.
However, there is no agreement or decision at this stage. To be continued. #LAFC @SkySportDE
Transfer journalist Nicolò Schira said that the Tottenham star is “one step away” from LAFC:
#Son Heung-min is one step away to #LosAngelesFC from #Tottenham. #LAFC have offered to the winger a huge salary around 20M/year. #transfers
Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show Season 5, Episode 1 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich had a busy week, so let’s unwind and break it down. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
In a crazy turn of events, João Palhinha is headed to Tottenham Hotspur. What does that mean for Bayern Munich from a sporting perspective and financially?
Reports are finally dropping that Harry Kane could leave Bayern Munich after this season. How concerned should Bayern Munich fans be? Does the club need to reconsider its stance to hold firm on its bid for Nick Woltemade?
An awesome Listener Q&A segment.
A review of Happy Gilmore 2 — and maybe two reasons to get excited for what HBO/Max has coming up.
Wanner could get his chance (Kicker’s Mario Krischel)
In a piece centered on Bayern Munich’s young players, Kicker journalist Mario Krischel spoke to board member for sport Max Eberl and it sure sounds like Paul Wanner could get a chance to fill in for Jamal Musiala:
One of them could be Paul Wanner, who made his FCB debut under Julian Nagelsmann three and a half years ago and was most recently loaned to Elversberg and Heidenheim. This week, the still only 19-year-old also reported back to Säbener Straße and could even make his mark for the first time due to Jamal Musiala’s long-term absence. “Paul Wanner has a huge opportunity in the coming weeks and hopefully months,” says Eberl. “Now he has a big step ahead of him to break into this team at Bayern Munich.”
Is that really true? According to information from kicker, Wanner still wants to play regularly and have a fair chance of a starting place. Not just as a temporary replacement for Musiala. Especially since numerous Bundesliga clubs have expressed interest. “That’s nice because it shows that his development is heading exactly where we want it to,” says Eberl. “That he’ll eventually play his role at FC Bayern. Paul has that opportunity now, and he should take advantage of it. As of today, I don’t know why he’s not with us beyond September 1st.”
Wanner had some positive moments against Olympique Lyon, but still needs a lot of work. Is he ready for prime time?
Chiesa out next at LFC? (Calciomercato via ESPN)
Italian attacker Federico Chiesa could be the next player out at Liverpool FC:
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, 27, is of interest to Fenerbahce, but he wants to return to Serie A.
Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 8, Episode 2 (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich is a busy place this week, so let’s get moving, too! This is what have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
Luis Díaz has arrived in Munich, passed his physical, and signed his deal. A new era begins...
Will Vincent Kompany hand Díaz the job or will he have to battle Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman.
Is there any chance that Coman or Gnabry get sold this summer?
Why Paul Wanner, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Josip Stanišić need to win the preseason.
A mini-rant on João Félix.
Tottenham Hotspur could be ready to pay €52 million for João Palhinha.
Chelsea getting close with Simons (Nicolo Schira via ESPN)
Chelsea might be able to see the finish line on its prospective move with RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons:
Chelsea’s pursuit of RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons is at the “final stage.” Personal terms already have been agreed over a long-term contract and a deal worth more than €65m.
Real could make move for Saliba or Konaté (ESPN)
Real Madrid is keeping its eyes on Arsenal FC’s William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté:
Real Madrid would “seriously consider” the signings of William Saliba or Ibrahima Konaté if the defenders became available, Diario AS reports, with the Liverpool player being the most likely option. Madrid are waiting to see what stance Liverpool take on Konaté, the newspaper claims — with just a year left on the centre-back’s contract, and Konaté keen on a move to the Bernabéu — while Saliba’s situation is “more complicated” as his Arsenal contract runs until 2027.
In This Stream
Bayern Munich vs. Olympique Lyon: 2025/26 Preseason Friendly full coverage
Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz ready to give his all after first experience at the Allianz Arena
Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Olympique Lyon; Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min headed to LAFC?; Paul Wanner to get his chance with Bayern?; Chelsea getting closer with Xavi Simons; and MORE!
Five Observations from Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory against Olympique Lyonnais
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