Quick Read
- Bayern Munich defeated Lyon 2-1 in their preseason opener at the Allianz Arena.
- Michael Olise scored a brace, while Luis Díaz made his debut for Bayern.
- Lyon’s Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez scored a late goal to make the match competitive.
- Both teams used the match to assess new players and prepare for their upcoming seasons.
Bayern Munich marked their preseason opener with a closely contested 2-1 victory against French side Olympique Lyonnais on August 2, 2025, at the Allianz Arena. This friendly match not only provided both teams with an opportunity to prepare for their upcoming domestic seasons but also showcased new talent and tactical experiments. From Michael Olise’s decisive brace to Luis Díaz making his much-anticipated debut, the match was filled with intriguing moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
A Slow Start to an Intense Encounter
The game began with Bayern Munich asserting control over possession, as expected from the Bundesliga giants. Lyon, however, held their defensive line firmly and gradually grew into the match. The first half was characterized by cautious play, with both teams focusing on testing their formations and strategies. According to VAVEL, Lyon managed to maintain 54% of possession during this period, though neither side managed to break the deadlock. Bayern’s youngster Lennart Karl came closest to scoring, narrowly missing the target after a well-orchestrated combination between Kingsley Coman and Raphael Guerreiro.
Defensively, Bayern was solid, with Konrad Laimer standing out as the linchpin in midfield. Lyon, on the other hand, showcased their resilience, with captain Corentin Tolisso and Mathys de Carvalho making key contributions. As the first half ended goalless, it became evident that the game would be decided in the second half’s tactical adjustments.
Michael Olise Shines in the Second Half
The second half saw Bayern manager Vincent Kompany make wholesale changes, including the introduction of new signing Luis Díaz. The Colombian winger immediately injected energy into Bayern’s attack, winning a penalty within minutes of stepping onto the pitch. Michael Olise converted the penalty with confidence, giving Bayern the lead. This was a pivotal moment, as it shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the home side.
Olise wasn’t finished. Minutes later, he doubled Bayern’s advantage with a composed finish after receiving a precise through ball from Serge Gnabry. His performance earned him widespread praise, with Bavarian Football Works naming him the “Meister of the Match.” Despite Lyon’s protests over a potential offside in the buildup to the first goal, Olise’s clinical finishing proved too much for the visitors to handle.
Lyon’s Late Push
Lyon didn’t back down after falling behind. They made several substitutions to inject fresh legs into the game, with 17-year-old Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez making an immediate impact. In the dying moments of the match, Rodriguez capitalized on a Bayern error, intercepting a pass from Olise to Joshua Kimmich and setting up Lyon’s only goal, scored by Georges Mikautadze. This late strike brought the score to 2-1, creating a tense finish to the game.
Lyon came agonizingly close to equalizing, with Mikautadze hitting the woodwork and Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig making a crucial save to deny Saël Kumbedi. Despite their late surge, Lyon couldn’t find the second goal they needed, and the match ended with Bayern emerging as the victors.
Key Takeaways
The match provided valuable insights into both teams’ preparations. For Bayern, Michael Olise’s form and Luis Díaz’s debut were promising signs for the upcoming Bundesliga season. The team’s defensive structure, however, showed room for improvement, particularly in handling high-pressure situations late in the game.
Lyon, despite the loss, displayed resilience and potential. Mathys de Carvalho and Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez stood out as bright spots, hinting at a promising future for the French side. Their ability to challenge Bayern, even in a preseason friendly, underscores their readiness for the challenges of Ligue 1.
As noted by Bulinews, both teams will now shift focus to their next preseason fixtures. Bayern will face Tottenham Hotspur, while Lyon prepares for another challenging test as they continue refining their squad ahead of the new season.
Ultimately, this friendly served its purpose as a preparatory match, offering both teams a chance to assess their strengths and weaknesses while entertaining fans with a competitive display of football.