Sports
Bayern Munich Tunes Up with Friendly Against RB Salzburg
Bayern Munich faced RB Salzburg in a friendly match at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, on January 6, 2025, as part of their preparations for the upcoming Bundesliga clash against Borussia Mönchengladbach. The match, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Bayern, was marked by a mix of sloppy play and moments of brilliance, with both teams using the opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and lineups.
Bayern’s starting XI featured Eric Dier, who reconnected with Kim Min-jae in defense, and Thomas Müller, who started ahead of Jamal Musiala. Müller’s presence was crucial in maintaining organization on the field, especially given the frequent substitutions typical of friendly matches. The game saw Bayern take an early lead through a powerful header by Eric Dier off a corner kick from Joshua Kimmich.
Salzburg, known for their young and dynamic squad, managed to level the score with a lucky deflection from a corner kick and a penalty. However, Bayern’s quality shone through in the end, with Thomas Müller delivering a magnificent assist to Serge Gnabry for the winning goal. Müller’s celebration, reminiscent of a Quidditch victory, added a touch of flair to the match.
The friendly was also an opportunity for Bayern to test their depth and give playing time to key players like Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Kane, who had been in stellar form, missed a penalty but managed to score on the rebound, while Olise dazzled with his trademark dribbling and a stunning goal from outside the box.
Despite the rainy and windy conditions, both teams put on an entertaining display, with Bayern emerging victorious in a match that served as a valuable tune-up for the challenges ahead. The game was streamed live, allowing fans worldwide to catch the action and participate in the lively commentary on social media.