Bayern Munich Faces RB Salzburg in Winter Friendly Without Musiala

FC Bayern Munich played their only winter friendly match on Monday, January 6, 2025, against Austrian club RB Salzburg. The game, held at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, served as a crucial warm-up ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga restart against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. However, the German giants were without star midfielder Jamal Musiala, who was sidelined due to illness.

Bayern’s head coach, Vincent Kompany, fielded a strong lineup despite Musiala’s absence. Veteran Thomas Müller started in the attacking midfield, while Eric Dier anchored the defense. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka formed the double pivot in midfield, and Daniel Peretz continued in goal as Manuel Neuer remains in recovery. The starting XI also included Leroy Sané, Harry Kane, and Alphonso Davies.

RB Salzburg, currently fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga, entered the match under new head coach Thomas Letsch, who replaced Pep Lijnders just before Christmas. Letsch expressed enthusiasm about facing Bayern, stating,