The first game of the new year ended 8-1 for FC Bayern. The record champions will also be in outstanding form in 2026. Almost all of the players shine. The individual criticism.
Julian Buhl reports from Munich
Anyone who was worried about whether Bayern would lose their form in 2025 could relax on Sunday evening. The record champions dismantled VfL Wolfsburg 8-1 in the first competitive game of the new year, playing themselves into a frenzy, especially in the second half. Wolfsburg’s sporting director Pirmin Schwegler spoke of a “total failure”, while defender Kilian Fischer found his team’s performance “embarrassing”.
At first it didn’t look like it would end so one-sidedly. Bayern took an early lead in the first half, but conceded the 1-1 equalizer shortly afterwards. After half an hour, Luis Díaz put the record champions back in the lead, and another goal was not to be scored. Wolfsburg decided to confirm their intensity and performance in the second half, but fell apart.
Manuel Neuer had no problem with that. “It tastes good, I have to say. That’s what we decided to do, to win our hearts again here at home on such a cold January day,” he said on DAZN.
Neuer was one of the many players on Sunday evening who showed at least a good performance. The exceptional goalkeeper defused Wolfsburg’s best chance in the second half, preventing the visitors from making it 2-4. His performance received a grade of 2. But three other players who left the pitch with the top grade played even better. You can find the overview with all reviews here or in the photo show above.
Bayern now continue in Cologne. On Wednesday, the record champions will be guests at the Rhein-Energie-Stadion against the weakening “Billy Billy Goats”. Cologne hasn’t won in seven Bundesliga games.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany will probably have to do without Joshua Kimmich. The currently injured national player said after the Wolfsburg game when asked about a possible appearance in Cologne: “I don’t think so. Let’s see.”