In a freezing Allianz Arena on the first competitive outing of 2026, Bayern Munich delivered a masterclass, dismantling VfL
Wolfsburg 8-1 to solidify their Bundesliga supremacy. Under Vincent Kompany’s guidance, the Bavarians overcame sub-zero conditions on a pristine pitch, showcasing ruthless efficiency against a hapless opponent.
The match exploded into life within five minutes. Luis Díaz’s left-wing cross deflected off Wolfsburg’s Moritz Jenz, wrong-footing goalkeeper Kilian Fischer for an unfortunate own goal. The visitors, undeterred, responded swiftly seven minutes later.
A precise pass from Koulierakis released Lovro Majer, who threaded the ball to Munich-born Dženan Pejčinović. The forward slotted a low drive past Manuel Neuer to level the score.
Wolfsburg enjoyed brief momentum, with Christian Eriksen and Majer firing wide from distance. However, Bayern reclaimed the lead on the half-hour mark.
Michael Olise’s pinpoint delivery found Díaz, who powered a header into the net. Goalkeeper Kamil Grabara emerged as Wolfsburg’s lone hero pre-interval, denying Lennart Karl and using his boot to thwart another Díaz attempt.
The second half saw Bayern unleash devastation. Olise dazzled after the 50th minute, slicing through defenders from the left and curling a stunner past Grabara.
Moments later, another Olise-inspired attack led to Jenz’s second own goal, as he inadvertently turned a low cross into his own net.
Harry Kane, subdued until then, ignited with 20 minutes left. The 32-year-old Englishman first assisted Raphaël Guerreiro for a simple tap-in, then curled a sublime effort off the crossbar and post.
The onslaught continued as Díaz and Olise linked up again on the counter, with the Frenchman netting his second via his weaker right foot before exiting.
Kompany introduced youngsters Wisdom Mike and debutant Felipe Chavez amid the rout. Yet, Bayern added an eighth in stoppage time: Dayot Upamecano fed Leon Goretzka, whose shot clipped Grabara’s arm en route to the goal.
This emphatic win propels Bayern further ahead in the title race, highlighting Olise’s brilliance and Wolfsburg’s defensive woes under Daniel Bauer.
The result underscores Kompany’s tactical prowess in adverse weather, setting a formidable tone for the year ahead.
