Last week, Bayern Munich’s iconic Weihnachtsshow (Christmas show) illuminated the Allianz Arena following their final match of the year, and the atmosphere was one of collective satisfaction as fans celebrated a return to form. After Bayer Leverkusen had an impressive 2024, Bayern has reclaimed its position in the spotlight for 2025.
While a thrilling 2-2 draw against the last-placed team in the Bundesliga might usually raise some eyebrows, failing to defeat Mainz was more of a minor annoyance than a threat to Bayern’s trophy aspirations. Christmas guest Thomas Müller maintained his trademark smile throughout the rollercoaster match.
As sporting CEO Max Eberl noted post-match, everyone connected to the club would have accepted a nine-point advantage at the top of the table if it had been offered before the season. And he’s right.
The current iteration of the Rekordmeister appears too formidable for its rivals, with Vincent Kompany evolving from a calculated risk as coach to a man with a vision perfectly aligned with the club’s aspirations.
When 17-year-old Lennart Karl scored Bayern’s 50th league goal of the season on Sunday, the club became the fastest team to reach that milestone in Bundesliga history. Who would bet against them breaking the record of 101 goals established by Gerd Müller and others back in the 1971-72 season?
Karl recently made history as the youngest player to score in three consecutive UEFA Champions League matches, highlighting the positives for Bayern after four months of the season. Several players have enhanced their performances, particularly Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, and Serge Gnabry.
Laimer has transformed from a valuable role player and Pressingmonster into a consistent starter in the right back position. Upamecano has become a priority for contract renewal, with indications suggesting a highly positive outcome for a defender who faced criticism for past mistakes. This French international has refined his game and is essential for Bayern’s pursuit of future trophies.
Gnabry may be awaiting detailed contract discussions with Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund, but he has performed exceptionally during a time when Bayern has been missing key attacking players like Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala due to prolonged injuries. While Davies is back in action albeit carefully managed, Musiala is expected to return shortly after the New Year celebrations.
Kompany might soon face a Luxusproblem (problem of luxury) when it comes to creative positions. With talents like Michael Olise, Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, Karl, Gnabry, Musiala, and Nicolas Jackson, how will he find space for everyone? Players like Wisdom Mike could struggle to find significant playing time.
At this point, one might think Bayern faces no challenges, but that’s not the reality. The Champions League remains the club’s ultimate Maßstab (measuring stick), and their sole defeat this season against Arsenal highlighted gaps against strong rivals. Bayern has the potential to win Europe’s top club competition, but they could just as easily bow out in the quarterfinals, illustrating how unpredictable it can be against the continent’s elite.
Bayern has placed significant expectations on themselves to triumph in the DFB-Pokal, a tournament that has not favored them in recent years. Their upcoming quarterfinal clash against RB Leipzig on February 11 looks to be a closely contested affair. Even if they manage to navigate that challenge, formidable teams like Leverkusen and reigning champions VfB Stuttgart could pose further threats in the semifinals or the final in Berlin come late May.
Before the Mainz game, Kompany and his entire coaching staff had their contracts renewed. While they deserve recognition for their technical and tactical guidance, as well as their interpersonal skills, there remains Luft nach oben (room for improvement).
Should Manuel Neuer receive another year with the club? And if so, is it time to start integrating Jonas Urban more frequently into matches if he is to be part of the future?
Six of Bayern’s eleven goals conceded in the league have come from set pieces, positioning them only in the middle of the Bundesliga rankings for that statistic. Since late October, Kompany’s squad has trailed in matches on no fewer than six occasions.
While the Rekordmeister has managed to come back from these deficits, this should not overshadow existing issues, a reality that Eberl, Kompany, and the entire team are aware of. Being part of Bayern means striving for excellence at all times.
Following their short journey to Heidenheim on Sunday, the team will have a brief opportunity to recharge before the crucial phase of the season kicks off.