Wiesbaden hosts Bayern for anniversary friendly
Wehen Wiesbaden secured a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly match. The game, held at the BRITA-Arena, was part of Wehen Wiesbaden’s 100th anniversary celebrations and drew over 12,000 spectators eager to see the German record champions. This match marked Bayern’s first friendly of the 2026/27 pre-season, with the team debuting their new away kits.
Bayern Munich’s squad for this encounter was notably young, featuring 11 teenagers in the starting lineup. Sporting director Christoph Freund noted during half-time that many of these young players were experiencing their first match against professional adult players. He expressed satisfaction with their performance, highlighting their ability to hold their own and create chances, viewing the experience as valuable for their development.
Youthful Bayern squad tested
The match saw Bayern Munich field a starting XI with an average age of just 17.6 years. This youthful side faced a determined Wehen Wiesbaden team, which tested Bayern’s defense early on. The hosts took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from Ibrahim Ati Allah, assisted by Flotho.
Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, acknowledged the challenge posed by Wiesbaden, recalling their tough encounter in the DFB Cup last season. He viewed the friendly as a good test for his young players, especially given the absence of World Cup participants who are still on holiday. Kompany expressed his excitement about being back on the touchline and the opportunity this presented for other players to make their case.
The initial period of the game saw the 11 teenagers selected by Kompany facing difficulties against the professional third-division team. Florian Stritzel, known for saving a Harry Kane penalty in a previous DFB Cup match against Bayern, was on the bench, with his deputy in goal not heavily troubled by Bayern’s young attackers, who appeared somewhat nervous but still attempted to express themselves.
Second half adjustments and decisive goal
Kompany made significant changes at half-time, introducing players like Tom Bischof, who wore his new No.8 shirt for the first time. Other players returning from loan spells, including Sacha Boey, João Palhinha, and Arijon Ibrahimović, also entered the game, alongside Maycon Cardozo, who had been part of the senior squad the previous season. Of the initial starting XI, only Guido Della Rovere, aged 19, and Bastian Assomo, aged 16, had previously been part of a first-team matchday squad. Sven Ulreich captained the team in the second half.
The introduction of more experienced players in the second half brought greater control and attacking impetus for Bayern. Youngster Tim Binder was particularly active, earning a penalty after being fouled in the area. Tom Bischof converted the penalty in the 57th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Bischof later commented on his confidence in taking the penalty, stating he had practiced them extensively.
Despite Bayern’s efforts, Wehen Wiesbaden secured the winning goal in the 83rd minute. Lukas Schleimer capitalized on a spilled shot by Sven Ulreich, tucking the ball away to make the score 2-1. Bischof reflected on the game, noting that Bayern controlled much of the match but perhaps lacked some movement, which he attributed to only having a week of training. He also expressed anticipation for the return of the World Cup players.
The first group of players returning from their post-World Cup holidays are expected to join the squad on Monday for a training camp at Tegernsee. This camp will include open training sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, followed by another friendly match against local side Rottach-Egern. The team is then scheduled to travel to Asia for the Audi Summer Tour on Saturday.
Source: bbc.co.uk
