Harry Kane (L) of Bayern Munich vies with Willi Orban of RB Leipzig during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, Germany, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
BERLIN, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich launched its Bundesliga title defense in devastating style, thrashing RB Leipzig 6-0 in the opening round of the 2025-26 campaign at the Allianz Arena on Friday.
The defending champion took control from the outset, dominating possession and dictating the tempo. After early chances for Konrad Laimer and Harry Kane, the breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Michael Olise finished from close range following neat interplay through midfield.
Just five minutes later, Bayern doubled its advantage. New signing Luis Diaz made an immediate impact on his Bundesliga debut with a thunderous drive that crashed in off the underside of the bar, leaving Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi helpless.
The home side's dominance was further emphasized before the interval as Olise struck again in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on Serge Gnabry's clever pass to make it 3-0.
Leipzig coach Ole Werner responded with two substitutions at half-time, but the visitor's hopes of a comeback quickly faded.
In the 64th minute, a swift Bayern counterattack saw Diaz release Kane, who slotted confidently into the far corner for his first goal of the evening.
Leipzig briefly thought it had pulled a goal back through Antonio Nusa, only for it to be ruled out due to an infringement at the free-kick in the build-up. The disallowed goal summed up a frustrating night for the visitor, who struggled to match Bayern's intensity.
With the contest effectively settled, Kane showcased his clinical edge. The England captain curled a precise shot into the bottom corner in the 74th minute before completing his hat-trick just four minutes later, racing clear and finishing with authority to seal the 6-0 rout.
"We wanted to set a statement at home and I think we did that," Kane said afterwards. "We were clinical and can't complain. Everyone knew what to do, and after half-time I thought it was time to get on the scoresheet as well."
The result maintains a remarkable opening-day record for the Bavarians, who have never lost as defending champion since the format was introduced in 2002. Bayern now turns its attention to Wednesday's DFB Cup tie at lower league side Wehen Wiesbaden, while Leipzig must regroup quickly ahead of its home clash with Heidenheim. ■
Luis Diaz (R) of Bayern Munich shoots to score during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, Germany, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Harry Kane (R) of Bayern Munich vies with Ridle Baku of RB Leipzig during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, Germany, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Harry Kane (L) of Bayern Munich shoots to score during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, Germany, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Players of Bayern Munich celebrate a goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, Germany, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Michael Olise of Bayern Munich celebrates his goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, Germany, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
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