Bayern kick-start their season with silverware in the Franz Beckenbauer Super cup
Often when the new football season kicks off, the first trophy on the line is often quite symbolic. For Bayern this was more than just another Super cup, it was about paying respect to Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary name of German football, with a title named after him for the first time. At the MHP Arena, in front of a boisterous Stuttgart crowd, Bayern made sure they showed up when it mattered the most. Goals from Harry Kane and Luis Díaz gave Bayern a 2-1 win, and from a coaching point of view, it provided Vincent Kompany his first official silverware as head coach of the Bavarian monsters.
Bayern take control early with Kane’s clinical opener in Super cup
The Super cup match started with urgency right from the very first whistle. Bayern kicked off the contest with their full attention to the game, high-pressing Stuttgart with whatever Bayern was forcing onto them into mistakes on possession. Bayern were rewarded in the 18th minute with Michael Olise’s probing pass, leaving the defender to make a makeshift on a clear opportunity while Harry Kane punched through on their flicker of lack of attention. For Bayern, this was the best type of statement: attacking intent and a consequential reward for even the smallest of defensive errors. Stuttgart, however, did not seem to be fazed by the early goal. If anything, it continued to stoke their inner hunger. Chris Führich was central to Stuttgart’s pursuit of an equalizer, in conjunction with Nick Woltemade and Deniz Undav, flagging up and pushing forwards several moments of danger in the Bayern defensive third. But this is where Manuel Neuer stepped up. He denied Stuttgart clear chances twice in quick succession and exhibited once again why he is still one of the world’s best shot stoppers.
Bayern face Stuttgart’s response in a fierce first half
Once the first storm had passed, Stuttgart started to calm down. They were getting more intense, and they were pushing Bayern on to their backfoot. The MHP Arena crowd sensed a change and roared Stuttgart forward as they pursued an equalizer. But every time Stuttgart seemed close, there were Neuer’s gloves. He reacted on instinct to shots from Undav and then Woltemade, while defender Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah made sure Stuttgart never got too close. Even as Stuttgart got their spirits back, Bayern was still dangerous on counters. Laimer tried a finesse lob, and Olise had a header off-target. The half ended knowing these two sides were nowhere near finished clicking.
Bayern steadied by Neuer’s brilliance in the second half
The second of Super cup half had the same frantic pace as the first. Stuttgart was relentless, heavily influenced by their home crowd. In the 62nd minute, Jamie Leweling unleashed a fierce effort that ricocheted off an unsuspecting Upamecano. The trajectory of the ball seemed destined for the net until Neuer, in a miraculous moment, arched his left arm out to claw it away. It was the type of save that can change the course of finals. For Bayern, it was just as valuable as any goal. Stuttgart grew in confidence and felt that Bayern were vulnerable after only 17 days of pre-season preparation. However, Kompany’s team were still disciplined and, again, patiently waited for the moment to strike.
Bayern seal the match with Luis Díaz’s first goal in Super cup
Then, with only 12 minutes to play the defining moment arrived. Serge Gnabry, the ever-threatening right winger, delivered a perfectly loaded ball into the penalty box and Luis Díaz, the Liverpool signing, soared over the last defender before connecting with an awkward header/shoulder combination into the back of the net. The stadium was silent for a moment before exploding with excitement. For Bayern, it was 2-0 but also the first goal of Díaz’s career with Bayern, and ultimately the winning goal in a Cup Final. Stuttgart did find a consolation goal in time, but it didn’t matter. Bayern were once again Super Cup winners.
Bayern relies on leadership of Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer must be part of any narrative about this final of Super cup. Playing in his 11th super cup, Nauer was an essential contributor to this team, showing why he has been so important in the past. From savings from close range to reflex saves, Neuer kept Bayern afloat when the momentum was wholly with Stuttgart. Even his modest comments at the end of the match “I want to help the team and enjoy success. We did that today” provides a glimpse of his humility but for teammates and fans alike, his performance will be remembered.
Bayern shows determination in honoring Beckenbauer
This super cup had a different mystique. As it was named after Franz Beckenbauer for the first time, it wasn’t just another trophy in the club’s lengthy haul of wins. For Bayern, lifting the cup was a ceremonial homage to the finest player in Germany’s football history. Kompany perfectly described it: “The title is extra important because it’s the Franz Beckenbauer super cup that always will be special for Bayern.” The emotion the players showed in celebrating was palpable, knowing they not only got a piece of silverware, but also to have paid homage to a legacy of history.
Bayern highlights their squad depth and attacking options in Super cup
Another important factor from the game was the strength in depth of Bayern’s squad. Kane got the ball rolling, Díaz finished the job, and when it was time to seal proceedings, Gnabry found him. Olise, Laimer and Kimmich managed the tempo excellently, and for Kompany given the variety of attacking threats and the balance in midfield, there is a lot to look forward to this season. Stuttgart performed well in the circumstances, but Bayern’s team in depth saw them through, and when one avenue seemed to be closed, another opened.
Bayern’s defensive resilience under Kompany
Defensively, Kompany’s impact can already be seen. In defense, as Upamecano and Tah held the line, Bayern found it very difficult to be out of position. They were even pressed presumptively more by Stuttgart, and they managed to keep their composure as a defensive unit. Their organization, along with Neuer’s brilliance, allowed the champions to never lose grip of the match in all aspects. The defensive structure is also critical for the Bundesliga and Europe, where Bayern will once again juggle becoming domestic league champions while hoping to overthrow in Europe.
Bayern’s hunger for more trophies this season
It’s never enough for a club committed to silverware. One trophy is simply not enough. The super cup victory is a good launchpad heading into the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup, and more importantly, the Champions League. Kompany takes over a team with experience, talent, and hunger, with leaders like Neuer and Kimmich, noises scorers like Kane, and new legs in the team thanks to Díaz. Bayern have the look of a side with multiple trophies in their sights.
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