Bayern launches title defence in rampant fashion

  • Bayern Munich made a winning start to its Bundesliga title defence with a statement 5-1 victory over Stuttgart at Allianz Arena.

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Vincent Kompany's side was pegged back early in the second half, as Dayot Upamecano's first-half header was cancelled out by Josha Vagnoman.

However, strikes from Michael Olise and Aleksandar Pavlovic sandwiched a Vagnoman own-goal, while Luis Diaz was also on target late on to seal a commanding win.

Olise clipped the outside of the post with a well-struck 25-yard free-kick before Bayern broke through on 21 minutes, with Upamecano glancing home Joshua Kimmich's corner.

Fabian Bredlow made smart saves to deny Luis Diaz and Nathaniel Brown before half-time, although Bayern was pegged back in the 52nd minute, as Vagnoman neatly volleyed past Manuel Neuer.

Nevertheless, the hosts were quickly back on track with two goals in as many minutes. Olise latched on to Kimmich's throughball and finished to regain the lead, before Vagnoman turned Alphonso Davies's low cross into his own net.

Olise saw a well-taken finish ruled out for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review in the 64th minute.

Yet Bayern did get a fourth goal on 82 minutes when substitute Ismael Saibari checked inside a challenge and teed up Pavlovic for a close-range finish.

Saibari was the provider again in the second minute of stoppage-time, releasing Diaz on the counter-attack to slot home clinically and put the icing on the cake.

Michael Akpovie Olise
Michael Akpovie Olise
FC Bayern München
Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda
Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda
FC Bayern München