In recent years, it has become one of the unmissable Bundesliga matches. 3-1 last May (v. Leipzig), 5-3 in 2022 (v. Bayern), 3-3 in 2020 and a legendary 5-4 in 2017 won by Bayern in the last minute thanks to a magical free kick by David Alaba… The matches between these two clubs in recent years have often given rise to incredible scenarios. Shall we do it again this weekend? See you Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Four wins and a draw (2-2 against Leverkusen) for Bayern, 4 wins and a defeat for Leipzig (1-2 against Leverkusen), the two teams have had an excellent start to the season. Thomas Tuchel’s men also won against Manchester United for their entry into the Champions League (4-3) and are coming off an easy victory against Preußen Münster in the German Cup (4-0). So obviously, everything is not yet perfect for the Bavarians. The German technician would like to see his men concede fewer goals (7 conceded in the last 6 matches) and his new English striker Harry Kane take more place in the game. But overall, the title holders in the Bundesliga have a plan consistent and enjoyable to watch play. Just like their opponents this weekend. Marco Rose, who is starting his second season on the Leipzig bench, experienced a hectic summer transfer window as is often the case with the Red Bull affiliate. 21 departures for 12 arrivals, the work seemed colossal at the start of the season. And for now, the bet seems to have paid off. Star recruits Openda and Simons experienced a lightning adaptation and allowed the club to get off to a good start to the Champions League campaign (3-1 victory against Young Boys). And the 100% French hinge Simakan-Lukeba shows a lot of serenity despite their young age (23 and 20 years old). To see if this will be the case against Gnabry, Sané and others.
Bayern are already the best attack in the Bundesliga with 18 goals scored in five matches, while Leipzig have scored 14. 32 goals in 10 matches, an average of 3.2 goals per match. It would be really bad luck not to see the nets shake several times, even if both teams are in place defensively (2nd and 3rd best defenses in the Bundesliga). Harry Kane, who arrived from Tottenham this summer, has already scored 7 goals in 5 matches. Openda, arrived from Lens for 43 million, scored three times and should start as a starter. So, towards a new scenario in 2017?
These are two of the main attractions of this start of the Bundesliga: Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel are getting everyone to agree. The first, on loan from Paris, decided to join the RedBull galaxy to have playing time in an ambitious project. And it is clear that this seems to be the right decision. He quickly found his way into the hearts of the supporters, notably by scoring a sumptuous goal on the third day against Stuttgart (5-1 victory). Since the start of the season, that’s 5 starts in five matches, for 3 goals and 4 assists. A hell of a ratio for the young Dutchman.
If things are less simple for the Frenchman Mathys Tel, he has still made some impressive appearances since the start of the season. At the Bavarian club since 2022, the former Rennes man is making his mark. With only 146 minutes of playing time this season, he already has… four goals and an assist. His latest achievement, against Manchester United in the Champions League, had also made the rounds in European newspapers. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he will be a danger for Leipzig’s defense.
