European Momentum for Bayern
FC Bayern München delivered a commanding performance in their UEFA Champions League opener, thrashing Bodø/Glimt 5-0. This dominant victory saw goals from Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Harry Kane, alongside a brace from Michael Olise [1]. Harry Kane continued his impressive scoring run, netting in his eighth consecutive Champions League game, while Michael Olise started and scored twice [2]. Olise, who is expected to start in the No.10 position in the upcoming fixture [3], has been a standout performer, contributing 32 goal contributions (15 goals, 17 assists) in 2026 [3]. The team’s strong showing in Europe provides a significant morale boost as they turn their attention back to the Bundesliga. This result follows a period where Bayern had a slower start to their domestic campaign, failing to win their opening two Bundesliga matches [4].
Key Players in Form and Expected Line-up
Michael Olise is expected to be a central figure for Bayern Munich, with reports indicating he will start in the No.10 position [5]. His exceptional form, highlighted by his two goals against Bodø/Glimt, makes him a crucial asset for the team. Harry Kane, who also scored in the Champions League fixture, is another key player in excellent form [3]. Jamal Musiala, who scored the opening goal against Bodø/Glimt, is back in rhythm after scoring his first goal of the season [6]. However, it remains unclear if Musiala will make successive starts [6]. In terms of squad news, young talent Tim Binder recently signed a professional contract with Bayern until 2030, though he is currently recovering from a torn muscle fibre in his right hamstring [7]. Nathaniel Brown, Lennart Karl, and Ismael Saibari were not in the starting line-up for the recent Champions League match [1].
Bundesliga Challenge Ahead
Despite their strong European performance, Bayern Munich faces a challenge in the Bundesliga. They currently sit in 6th position with 4 points from two games, having won one and drawn one. Their last Bundesliga outing was a 0-0 draw against FC Schalke 04. Historically, Bayern has a negative all-time Bundesliga record in the Saarland federal state [4], which could add an interesting dynamic to their upcoming fixture against Elversberg. The schedule for matchdays 5 to 11 has been confirmed, with Bayern set to play three matches on Saturday afternoons during this period [8]. This period will be crucial for Bayern to establish their dominance in the domestic league and climb up the table. The team will be looking to translate their recent Champions League form into consistent Bundesliga victories, especially with key players hitting their stride.
What it means
FC Bayern München currently occupies 6th place in the Bundesliga with 4 points from two matches, having scored 5 goals and conceded 1. Their recent form shows a strong performance in the Champions League with a 5-0 win against FK Bodø/Glimt, but a draw in their last Bundesliga fixture against FC Schalke 04. Prior to that, they secured a dominant 5-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart. This mixed form in the league suggests they are still finding their rhythm domestically, despite their European success. The upcoming fixture against Elversberg presents an opportunity for Bayern to improve their league standing and build momentum. A win would be crucial to close the gap on the top teams and assert their usual dominance in the Bundesliga.
Sources
- Bundesliga.com: Five-star Bayern Munich sweep past Bodø/Glimt in UEFA Champions League opener bundesliga.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Olise scores twice as Bayern thrash Bodo/Glimt bbc.co.uk ↩
- Bundesliga.com: Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Michael Olise lead the way in 2026 bundesliga.com ↩
- Bundesliga.com: Why new boys Elversberg can upset Bayern Munich bundesliga.com ↩
- The Guardian: Perfect start for the Premier League in Europe and is it crunch time for Spurs already? Football Weekly Extra – podcast theguardian.com ↩
- Bundesliga.com: Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala back on song bundesliga.com ↩
- Bundesliga.com: Germany youth international Tim Binder signs professional contract with Bayern Munich bundesliga.com ↩
- Kicker: Bundesliga-Spieltage 5 bis 11 terminiert: Bayern dreimal am Samstagnachmittag kicker.de ↩