Müller bags brace as Bayern win Kompany's first match

In his first competitive appearance since announcing his retirement from international football – not to mention his first time donning the tricot of his beloved FC Bayern München since enduring a trophy-less season with the German giants – German footballing legend Thomas Müller was able to ensure that Vicent Kompany’s debut as FCB trainer got off to a successful start. The 34-year-old scored a blitz-brace and earned unquestionable man-of-the-match honors over the course of an exceptional full 90 minute shift. Bayern advance to the second round of the 2024/25 DFB-Pokal after besting second tier side SSV Ulm 1846 4-0.

With the exception of Leverkusen loan returnee Josip Stanisic, Kompany did not employ any of the new summer signings in his starting XI. Harry Kane also remained on the bench. Bayern lined up in a simple 4-2-3-1 with Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic working in midfield ahead of a back-four of Stanisic, Min-Jae Kim, Dayot Upamecano, and Raphaël Guerreiro. Serge Gnabry and Mathys Tel served on the wings. Müller was deployed atop as the lead striker.

There was some shakiness at the FCB back in the opening minutes, enabling Ulm’s Bayern loanee Maurice Krattenmacherto rip a dangerous distance effort just wide of the right post in the 5th. After a sluggish beginning, however, the German record champs were able to open the scoring in the 12th. Kimmich demonstrated remarkable resolve in remaining with a ball past several markers whilst breaking into the box. Mülller finished Kimmich’s final pass easily. 

Within three minutes, Müller had scored again. The German footballing legend again had an easily finish after Gnabry laid off a simple ball for him from the right. FCB defender Kim – who made a defensive error early – was the one to unlock Gnabry with a long ball. The exceptionally confident Müller made lovely use of space throughout the rest of the opening 45, nearly setting up a few more goals of his own. 

Kompany’s men took their foot off the gas after the restart, rarely venturing forward with much vigor. A curious scene in the Ulmer penalty area at the hour-mark nearly caught FCB keeper Manuel Neuer off guard. In the 64th, a borderline handball no-call on Gnabry in the box furnished some controversy. The Bayern substitutes then interjected some new life into proceedings. 

A long-ball from the subbed on Kane reached new signing Michael Olise on the right in the 79th. Olise serviced his fellow sub, and fellow Frenchman, Kingsley Coman on the 3-0. Coman continued to dazzle in the final ten minutes plus. Müller found himself unlucky not to record an assist when a Kane-bungled effort over the line in the 86th was disallowed for offside. 

That would be remedied at 90+3 when Müller delivered a perfect chip ball across the box for Kane. The English superstar got his 2024/25 cycle off to an excellent start with a headed finish on the 4-0. Bayern have a final pre-season test fixture against Grasshoppers on Tuesday before kicking their 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign away against VfL Wolfsburg.