Bayern Start Season with Supercup Win Over Dortmund

Bayern Munich began their season with a trophy, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the German Supercup on Saturday. Michael Olise was central to the win, scoring a goal and creating another, as Bayern lifted the season-opening cup at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park.

Olise, fresh off his stellar run with France, proved to be Bayern's most dangerous attacker, repeatedly breaking down the right flank. In the 28th minute, Olise drove into the Dortmund area, was tackled on the edge of the box, but the loose ball fell to Nathaniel Brown, who slotted home for the opener. Just before half-time, after a Jobe Bellingham error in midfield, Olise seized possession and powered past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from close range to make it 2-0.

Dortmund pulled one back late through former Wolves striker Fabio Silva in the 75th minute, and the hosts nearly equalized in stoppage time, but Maximilian Beier scuffed a golden chance when through on goal.

Contested Tactics and Debuts

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany surprised with his team selection, naming summer arrival Nathaniel Brown behind Harry Kane in attacking midfield, despite Brown being primarily a left-back. Brown struggled early in the unfamiliar role but was in position for the opener. Dortmund fielded new signings, with Konstantinos Karetsas and Joane Gadou making their competitive debuts.

In the opening half, Dortmund's Ramy Bensebaini had a goal disallowed for offside, and later in the match, Bensebaini was red-carded in the 90th minute for a foul on Bayern substitute Ismael Saibari.

Context: Form and History

Bayern arrived as title defenders having won against Red Bull Leipzig 3-1 in their last pre-season game, and winning five of their six pre-season fixtures. Dortmund, conversely, drew 2-2 with Roma in their final pre-season match, finishing with a record of three wins, two losses, and a draw in their warm-up games.

The Supercup win marks Bayern's 12th and second consecutive since the trophy was renamed for Franz Beckenbauer. Dortmund were making their Supercup appearance for the first time since 2021.

Reaction

"It's a magnificent victory beyond kick off the season," said Bayern striker Harry Kane to Sky. "Winning the trophy away at our league rival's home stadium is obviously a great start."

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany insisted his side had not eased off after thlast year's domestic dominance: "Some people maybe think we'll have a drop because we won everything last year. But that won't be the case: we won't rest and will try to win everything."