By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Reigning Bundesliga champions FC Bayern München kick off the 2023/24 season on Saturday as they face RB Leipzig in the Supercup at the Allianz Arena.
This season also marks the 60th anniversary of the Bundesliga. Over the years, there have been so many iconic memories that have shaped German football, but the passion of the fans, the principles of the clubs and the quality of exciting football have never wavered.
The Bavarians host last year’s DFB Cup winners in what promises to be an enthralling match-up – especially if last season’s Supercup encounter between the pair is anything to go by – featuring two sides who will be hoping to compete for trophies on all fronts this campaign.
A 5-3 thriller at the Red Bull Arena 12 months ago set the tone for a breathless campaign that saw drama until the final seconds as Jamal Musiala’s goal for Bayern snatched the Meisterschale from Borussia Dortmund’s grasp.
Defending their crown is a minimum requirement for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who have strengthened over the summer with the arrivals of Min-jae Kim, Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro, with the former two in line for first competitive appearances for their new employers this weekend.
Guerreiro, though, will be unavailable as he continues to recover from a calf strain picked up in pre-season. The Super cup also comes too early for captain Manuel Neuer, who has only recently returned to rehabilitative training after breaking his leg during the 2022/23 term’s winter break. Thomas Müller and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will also miss out after their own respective injuries. It offers a chance for Musiala and teenager Mathys Tel to shine on the big stage, as they’ve done in Bayern’s pre-season friendlies.
As for Leipzig, meanwhile, the previous two months have been marked by upheaval. Marco Rose has waved goodbye to key players Christopher Nkunku, Josko Gvardiol and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Laimer’s move to Munich is another blow, especially after his goal on the penultimate matchday of last season helped Die Roten Bullen to a famous first victory over Bayern at the Allianz Arena.
Of course, those sales have allowed the Saxony-based outfit to bring in reinforcements, with record signing Lois Openda the pick of the bunch. Christoph Baumgartner, Benjamin Sesko, Nicolas Seiwald, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Xavi Simons and Fabio Carvalho all join the Belgian at the Red Bull Arena and, if Leipzig’s track record is anything to go by, they could have a few more gems on their hands.
Leipzig have always been about upsetting the apple cart, with back-to-back DFB Cup titles now proving their silverware credentials. Of course, they have to get one over record champions Bayern if they’re to parade yet more trophies this year. The Munich club have won the season-opening Supercup in each of the past three years, including against Leipzig last year, and six out of the past seven.
Still, the most recent meetings between the two will give Rose hope of adding to the trophy cabinet. The two teams could not be separated as they shared the spoils in a 1- 1 draw on Matchday 16 in the 2022/23 Bundesliga, while Leipzig almost derailed Bayern’s quest for an 11th consecutive Meisterschale with their 3-1 triumph away from home on the penultimate weekend.
Whichever way the result ends up going, though, the 90 minutes – plus a penalty shootout if required – should give us a good indication of where the two teams stand prior to the 2023/24 Bundesliga’s opening matchday, which Bayern will get underway when they travel to SV Werder Bremen on Friday, 18 August.