In a commanding display of footballing prowess, Bayern Munich commenced their 2024/25 German Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over second-division side Ulm on Friday.
The match not only marked the beginning of the competitive German football season but also served as the inaugural fixture under the stewardship of newly appointed head coach Vincent Kompany.
The encounter at Ulm’s Donaustadion saw Bayern, 20-time German Cup winners, eager to rectify their recent underperformance in the competition. The Bavarian giants have struggled to progress beyond the quarter-finals since their treble-winning 2019-20 season, adding significance to this opening fixture.
Thomas Muller, Bayern’s evergreen forward, set the tone for the evening with a remarkable first-half performance. The 34-year-old German international opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a well-crafted pass from Joshua Kimmich. Muller’s clinical finish demonstrated his enduring value to the team, despite his advancing years in the sport.
Vincent Kompany is off to a winning start as manager of Bayern Munich 🔴#DFBPokal pic.twitter.com/vsQIYUMRAl
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Merely three minutes later, Muller struck again, this time connecting with a cross from Serge Gnabry to double Bayern’s advantage. This quick-fire brace not only put Bayern in a commanding position but also reaffirmed Muller’s status as a key player in the squad’s attacking arsenal.
While the first half belonged to Muller, the latter stages of the match saw other Bayern stars come to the fore. Kingsley Coman extended the lead in the 79th minute, turning in a pass from new signing Michael Olise. The French winger’s goal served as a reminder of the depth and quality within Bayern’s attacking ranks.
The final flourish came in injury time when Harry Kane, Bayern’s high-profile summer acquisition from Tottenham Hotspur, opened his German Cup account. Kane’s goal not only put the finishing touches on a comprehensive victory but also hinted at the potential impact he could have in his debut season in German football.
This resounding victory will undoubtedly please Vincent Kompany, who took the reins at Bayern following a trophy-less 2022/23 campaign – the club’s first since 2012. The former Manchester City captain and Burnley manager was brought in to rejuvenate a squad that had underperformed by its own lofty standards last season.
The result against Ulm, while expected given the disparity in league status between the two sides, nonetheless provides a positive start to Kompany’s tenure. It demonstrates that the team has quickly adapted to his methods and tactical approach, which bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead in both domestic and European competitions.
For Ulm, recently promoted to the second division for the first time in 23 years, the match served as a stark reminder of the quality gap they must bridge to compete at the highest level of German football. Despite the heavy defeat, the experience of hosting one of Europe’s elite clubs will be invaluable as they continue their journey in the 2. Bundesliga.
The German Cup opener was not the only action on Friday, as several Bundesliga sides faced lower league opposition in their respective first-round ties. Mainz, St Pauli, and Hoffenheim all progressed, albeit after experiencing some difficulties against their lower-ranked opponents. Each of these top-flight teams found themselves trailing at various points in their matches, highlighting the potential for upsets that makes cup competitions so compelling.
As the German football season gets underway, attention now turns to the DFL Supercup, scheduled for Saturday night. Defending German Cup and Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen will host Stuttgart in what promises to be an intriguing curtain-raiser for the top-flight season.
Bayern Munich’s convincing victory in the German Cup serves as a statement of intent for the season ahead. With Vincent Kompany at the helm and a blend of experienced stars like Thomas Muller alongside new acquisitions such as Harry Kane, the Bavarian outfit appears well-equipped to challenge on multiple fronts.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how Kompany shapes this talented squad and whether he can guide them back to the summit of German and European football. For now, Bayern can be satisfied with a professional performance that sets a positive tone for the campaign ahead, while also being mindful that sterner tests await as they pursue domestic and continental glory.
