Bayern Munich open Bundesliga title defence with 5-1 win over Stuttgart
Bayern Munich began their 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign with a 5-1 home victory over VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena on Friday, extending their opening-day unbeaten streak to 15 seasons.
First-half lead in rainy Munich
Bayern Munich began their 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign on Friday evening with a 5-1 home victory against VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena. The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute when Dayot Upamecano headed home Joshua Kimmich's corner from close range. Both teams struck the woodwork during a fast-paced opening half played in heavy rain, with Tiago Tomas hitting the frame for Stuttgart and Michael Olise doing the same for Bayern. Stuttgart defender Jeff Chabot was tasked with strict man-marking on Harry Kane across the pitch, limiting the England forward's involvement before his late second-half substitution.
It was a step in the right direction, but we are still some way from our best level.
Dressing room power cut and decisive three-minute blitz
During the half-time break, Stuttgart experienced an unusual power outage in their visiting dressing room. Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß confirmed the incident after the match, explaining that the disruption had no bearing on his team's performance. Stuttgart equalized seven minutes into the second period when Josha Vagnoman scored from a rebound after Manuel Neuer saved a header from Jeff Chabot.
It was light enough, we saw each other, and we did not trip. So everything is fine.
The parity lasted only three minutes before Bayern regained control with two rapid strikes. In the 55th minute, Michael Olise finished after Joshua Kimmich intercepted a pass from Angelo Stiller. Three minutes later, Josha Vagnoman slipped while attempting to clear a low cross from Alphonso Davies and diverted the ball into his own net.
- Dayot Upamecano heads in Joshua Kimmich's corner to give Bayern the lead
- Josha Vagnoman scores an equalizer for Stuttgart from a rebound
- Michael Olise restores Bayern's advantage after Angelo Stiller's turnover
- Josha Vagnoman deflects Alphonso Davies' cross into his own goal
- Aleksandar Pavlovic converts a pass from Ismael Saibari for Bayern's fourth
- Luis Diaz scores Bayern's fifth goal from Ismael Saibari's second assist
Summer signings make immediate impact
Bayern expanded their advantage in the closing stages through substitute Ismael Saibari, who joined from PSV Eindhoven for 55 million euros. Entering in the 61st minute, the 25-year-old Moroccan winger set up Aleksandar Pavlovic for a close-range tap-in in the 82nd minute to make it 4-1. Saibari then provided a second assist in late play, feeding Luis Diaz for Bayern's fifth goal. Stuttgart goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow made multiple saves to prevent further scoring, while Bayern's 50 million euro addition Nathaniel Brown and full-back Konrad Laimer completed the fixture.
- Ismael Saibari
- 55 €m
- Nathaniel Brown
- 50 €m
Nene and Isi are top, top players who really help us. They did great today as well.
National team scouting and season context
Germany national team head coach Jürgen Klopp watched the match from the stands ahead of announcing his squad on 17 September for four Nations League fixtures. A total of 17 German players featured during the match. Prior to kickoff, Klopp addressed Bayern midfielder Jamal Musiala, who missed the encounter after collapsing twice in pre-season matches due to a neurological condition, stating that the national team door remains open. The result extends Bayern's unbeaten streak in Bundesliga opening matches to 15 seasons following their 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Supercup.
