FC Bayern dominates RB Leipzig: Six goals, six X-factors

At first, FC Bayern Munich spared the visitors from Leipzig. But then RB Leipzig had to endure the power of the German record champions, as the home side proved unstoppable in the Bundesliga season opener.

Michael Olise (27th and 42nd minutes), new signing Luis Diaz (32nd), and top scorer Harry Kane with a hat trick (64th, 74th, 77th) sealed the 6-0 victory. Bayern's six-goal gala provided six key insights at the start of the 2025/2026 season.

Ice-cold under the crossbar: Luis Diaz scores the 2-0 for Bayern against Leipzig.

Source: Getty Images

Munich's sporting director Max Eberl and his team faced a lot of criticism for their €75 million signing of Diaz (28). Bringing in a winger "whom Liverpool FC wants to sell because he didn't extend his contract is really no big deal," said TV expert Lothar Matthäus. But the Colombian showed the full range of his game against the Saxons, once an ambitious Bayern Munich target.

Sporting director Freund described Diaz as a “fast, versatile and goal-scoring footballer who works hard for his team” – and this was confirmed in the first game.

In addition to the Frenchman Olise (23), who was brought in from Crystal Palace in 2024 for a good 60 million euros and was Bayern's best professional last season, the offensive of coach Vincent Kompany's team is unlikely to be stopped by other clubs in this country.

England captain Kane, a two-time Bundesliga top scorer, attracted attention with a flawless hat trick in one half. "The relationship with Mike," the eye-catching Olise, "is getting stronger and stronger," said the 32-year-old.

Kane's highest praise came from coach Kompany, as the attacker – long a supporting player – only needed 15 minutes for his gala performance. The Belgian said: "I didn't even notice he'd scored three goals, but somehow he did it again."

In the double-six position, a duo that should have been a thing of the past in this configuration stabilized the midfield: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. For Kimmich, who will soon be back in the center of the national team, it was a familiar task, but Goretzka, who was dropped a year ago, can have high hopes for the current season given his role.

"It was a perfect start. Once the team gets rolling, it keeps rolling," said the veteran from the Munich control center.

Strong in a duel: Leon Goretzka (right), here in a duel with Nicolas Seiwald.

Source: IMAGO/Jan Huebner

FC Bayern only briefly had a goal on the scoreboard. In the 66th minute, Leipzig substitute Antonio Nusa scored what appeared to be the 4-1 lead, before referee Florian Badstübner disallowed the goal after a lengthy review of video evidence. Defender Lukeba had fouled the incident by making multiple contact during a free kick.

German international Jonathan Tah, who transferred to Säbener Straße from runners-up Bayer Leverkusen, organized the defense well. The usually shaky Dayot Upamecano was never in trouble against his former club RB Leipzig, except for one incident. If the duo settles into their stride over the course of the season, it will help Kompany's team. Substitute Min-jae Kim even shone as an assist in the 6-0 victory.

When the 4-1 score still seemed to count, the Bayern coach had the courage to bring on young Lennart Karl. After the 6-0 win, Jonah Kusi-Asare also got his game time. It was "clear from the start" that "we wanted to get the youngsters up to this level. We want to be able to give them playing time," said manager Eberl, despite having just sold promising signing Paul Wanner to PSV Eindhoven.

Leipzig's timidity was evident in a frightening way at the start of the season. "I wouldn't say the opponent was too bad," Goretzka admitted, though Leipzig's innocence was palpable. If more away games like this follow, the title will be decided early. It can only go to FC Bayern.