Supercup match preview: FC Bayern vs. RB Leipzig

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9 August 2023, 22:16 yayınlandı

Time to secure our first title of the season!

RB Leipzig are set to take on FC Bayern München in front of a sell-out crowd at the Allianz Arena in the German Supercup on Saturday at 20:45 CEST. RBL take on the German champions as the current holders of the DFB-Pokal.

This game is a repeat of last year’s Supercup. On that occasion, Bayern ran out 5-3 winners in an exciting game at the Red Bull Arena. This time around, RBL look to secure the title on FCB’s own turf.

Before the game we take a look at the opponents, FC Bayern.

FC Bayern München’s recent form

FC Bayern took part in five friendlies during pre-season and won four of those, including a spectacular 4-3 win against Liverpool FC during their trip to Asia. In the last game before the Supercup, FC Bayern ran out 4-2 winners against AS Monaco. FCB only suffered one defeat, falling to a 2-1 loss against Champions League winners, Manchester City.

FCB form facts:

FC Bayern…

…scored 37 goals in five friendlies, albeit 27 of those were against ninth-division side Rottach-Egern.
…conceded nine goals in those five games and only kept one clean sheet.
…won four out of five friendlies. The final dress rehearsal ahead of the Supercup saw FCB defeat AS Monaco 4-2.

“We want to win the game”

Interview with Kevin Kampl ahead of the Supercup

Team news

Arrivals

Minjae Kim (centre-back) has come in from the Italian champions, SSC Napoli. The South Korean has come in to replace Lucas Hernandez after his move to Paris St. Germain.
Konrad Laimer has moved to FC Bayern this summer after six years at RB Leipzig and strengthens the record champions’ central-midfield options.
Raphael Guerreiro has followed his former BVB head coach, Thomas Tuchel, in moving from Borussia Dortmund to Säbener Straße.

Departures

Sadio Mané (Al Nassr)
Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund)
Yann Sommer (Inter)
Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart, on loan)
Lucas Hernandez (Paris St. Germain)

Key Players

At just 20 years of age, Jamal Musiala is already the focal point of the attack and is set to play as a number 10. The Germany international excelled in pre-season and is in great form – our defence will need to pay particular attention to the skilful midfielder.
It is rare to find a player who displays a greater winning mentality than Joshua Kimmich. He plays a vital role in winning 1-v-1 battles, and is capable of playing strategic passes in behind the defence or finishing them himself. He is on set-piece duty for FC Bayern.
Matthijs de Ligt emerged quickly through the ranks during his first year at FC Bayern, being named the leader of the back line. The Dutchman’s best attributes include his strength in 1-v-1 battles and ability to create strategic build-up play. As a result of calf issues, the central defender was not able to complete the entirety of pre-season. However, de Ligt should be ready for the Supercup and will likely work alongside Minjae Kim in the central defensive unit.

Absences

Manuel Neuer has been absent since the winter due to a broken leg, and he will not be ready for the start of the season. He is set to be replaced in goal by Sven Ulreich.
Thomas Müller is missing due to a hip injury and was unable to complete large parts of pre-season.
Raphael Guerreiro suffered a muscle tear and will therefore be absent for several weeks.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has yet to make up for lost time after overcoming knee joint problems. An appearance in the Supercup is therefore likely not possible.

Head Coach

Thomas Tuchel has been the head coach in Munich since March and celebrated winning the championship with FC Bayern after a dramatic end to the season. The 49-year-old is a well-known face in the Bundesliga, having previously coached 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund, with whom he won the DFB-Pokal in 2017.

Tuchel has already won several major international titles. He was crowned French champion twice with Paris St. Germain and won the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup with Chelsea FC in 2021.

Leipzig vs. Bayern

Head-to-head comparison:

2 wins, 5 draws, 10 losses – 21:35 goal record
1 home win, 1 away win
Top goalscorer: Christopher Nkunku (4 goals)
Highest win: 3-1 on 20th May 2023 (Goals: Konrad Laimer, Christopher Nkunku, Dominik Szoboszlai)

The last five clashes

20th May 2023 | Bundesliga, Matchday 33: FC Bayern München – RB Leipzig 1-3
20th January 2023 | Bundesliga, Matchday 16: RB Leipzig – FC Bayern München 1-1
30th July 2022 | DFL Supercup: RB Leipzig – FC Bayern München 3-5
5th February 2022 | Bundesliga, Matchday 21: FC Bayern München – RB Leipzig 3-2
11th September 2021 | Bundesliga, Matchday 4: RB Leipzig – FC Bayern München 1-4