Bundesliga
The 2025/26 Bundesliga season opener sees reigning champions Bayern Munich kick off their title defence against rivals RB Leipzig, a fixture which has seen goals galore in recent meetings. Here's five reasons to be excited...
1) Kompany's champions get us underway
Bayern reclaimed the Meisterschale in some style last season, scoring 99 goals and conceding just 32 along the way. This time around, the squad will be without the leadership and unique qualities of Thomas Müller, who will depart the Bavarian giants after the completion of their FIFA Club World Cup journey. Still, against Leipzig, Bayern's existing squad members have the chance to showcase they are more than capable of thriving even without the Raumdeuter.
Bringing the title back to Munich was a challenge after Bayer Leverkusen's legendary unbeaten campaign and Kompany's team passed the challenge with flying colours. The bigger task is now retaining their crown and building a new dynasty.
Watch: Thomas Müller bids Bundesliga farewell
2) Blockbuster guaranteed
If nothing else, this match-up almost guarantees goals. The last 10 games between the sides in the league, as well as the DFL Supercup, have produced an average of 4.6 goals per match. Their last Bundesliga meeting was a 3-3 draw with a dramatic 95th-minute finish thanks to Yussuf Poulsen's composed finish. Expect fireworks again this time.
Watch: RB Leipzig 3-3 Bayern Munich - highlights
3) New signings with a chance to impress
Finding ways to bolster a title-winning team can be difficult, but Bayern have been proactive in adding additional depth. Tom Bischof has shown glimpses of his talent at the Club World Cup and will no doubt be raring to go in the Bundesliga as well. Jonathan Tah, meanwhile, has slotted into the heart of the back four and shown promise partnering Dayot Upamecano. Twenty-year-old Ezechiel Banzuzi is Leipzig's only first-team acquisition so far, but they do have a new face on the sidelines following the appointment of 37-year-old Ole Werner, who will look to revitalise their young squad.
4) Tactically exciting affair
Kompany's first season gave us plenty of insight into his tactical mind. The Bavarians often engaged in man-oriented pressing and played attacking football which the Bayern players themselves publicly praised. Couple that with Leipzig's ability to go toe-to-toe with Bayern, and it makes for a highly exciting affair.
Werner's time at Bremen saw him grow into one of the more tactically astute managers in the league, instructing his team's to play patiently in possession and combine and combining that with occasional direct balls. Given the increased level of quality of player at Leipzig and his relatively young age, Werner could even improve in his new surroundings.
Watch: Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Werder Bremen - highlights
5) A rivalry in the making
Though Leipzig and Bayern are not traditional rivals, their match-ups in recent years have certainly produced the flair and sparks of a typical derby affair. Both teams are often competing towards the top of the table, while Leipzig's draw with Bayern towards the end of last season prevented their opponents from securing the Bundesliga title on the day. The Saxony outfit have also proven to be a tough nut for Bayern to crack, losing just two of the past seven matches between the two. If anything, this latest clash, with new faces on the pitch the and sideline, will be another chapter in an increasingly exciting rivalry!