Bayern Munich faced RB Leipzig in the 2026 Telekom Cup as both teams continue to prepare for the start of the new Bundesliga season, which is set kick off on 28 August. Martín Demichelis and Vincent Kompany’s men sized up each other before going all out — the match had the feeling of a league game more than a preseason friendly.
Despite losing an early lead to the home side, Leipzig found a way past the Bayern defense. However the substitutes from Kompany proved to be too much to handle and saw the game
deservedly go in favor of Bayern before the final whistle. The home crowd were entertained by a mix of youth and seniors with several positive signs. Without further ado here are the match awards.
Jersey Swap: Johan Bakayoko
Demichelis’ move to bring Johan Bakoyoko added the peppiness Leipzig were missing. The Belgian striker introduced an element of chaos that exposed one of Bayern’s biggest weaknesses. The zone behind the midfield and ahead of the backline is an area where attackers have confused the Bavarians several times last season. In this game too, Bakayoko’s movement into that area caused a lot of problems for Kompany’s men.
After the second half kicked off, Leipzig had four shots in less than seven minutes and scored the crucial equalizer. Bakayoko alone struck thrice. Neuer had to pull off two amazing saves with the post saving the third. The Belgian built the momentum that finally resulted in Brajan Gruda’s goal in the 52nd minute.
Der Kaiser: Manuel Neuer
The veteran was called into action on crucial occasions. As noted, Demichelis’ team broke away several times in the opening minutes of the second half. Bakayoko’s stingers nearly turned the game on its head if not for Neuer’s brilliant saves. The first was a diving effort to deflect the ball from going in to the top of the goal. The second was another dive, this time to the ground for a double-fisted punch. Both top saves, and the difference between winning the Telekom cup 3-1 and drawing or worse losing the tie.
Fußballgott: Joshua Kimmich
The German captain was once again immaculate in getting the basics spot on in the middle of the park. He was the glue that tied the entire team together. Working like an invisible hand, Kimmich’s ability to rinse and repeat the simple things makes him a serial winner of the Fußballgott award. A 91 percent passing accuracy coupled with eight recoveries is extraordinary for many midfielders. But for Kimmich, it is just another day at the office.
Der Bomber: Nathaniel Brown
The new kid in the block had an impressive showing against one of the stronger sides in the Bundesliga. Despite not possessing the speed or physicality of Alphonso Davies, Brown was adept in clearances and did not shy away from duels. His connection with Luis Diaz will be an exciting prospect to watch out for this season. Aleksandar Pavlović made a spectacular through pass after spotting Brown’s run. The pass itself was incredible, but, the winger-eqsue finish from Brown gave a glimpse of the cool composure of the left-back.
Meister of the Match: Luis Díaz
Every time Bayern has their backs against the wall, Luis Díaz stands tallest to change the circumstances. He is a true fighter and his spirit to comeback from any situation really inspires any teammate fortunate enough to share the dressing room with him. His first goal was brilliant, no two ways about that. The curling shot from the ricocheted ball was a beauty. But, his reaction and body language after Leipzig scored the equalizer truly captures the qualities Lucho brings to his team. Immediately he was seen running at defenders trying to take on two opponents at once with a eye always on goal. He had six passes into the final third with a tackle and an interception along the way. Lucho set the tone and the substitutes completed the job by retaking the lead and sealing the game for the Bavarians.
Honorable mentions
Tim Binder
The youngster was a jolt of lightning on the right wing for Bayern. Along with Díaz and Brown, Binder shouldered the attacking burden for his team. A nifty dribbler who could be confused for Lennart Karl in playstyle, physical stature and position, Binder created the opening chance that was finished with a curling shot by Luis Diaz.
Ismael Saibari
The Moroccan made his debut in Bayern colors in the Allianz Arena. The burly attacker who can move at a rapid pace made the difference up top for his team. Not only was Saibari’s off-the-ball movement very disruptive for the Leipzig defenders, his skillset on the ball and ability to dribble past his markers created the required opening to assist Jamal Musiala for the third goal.
Jamal Musiala
The German international’s brightest spot was his goal. A quick reflex shot, the 22 year-old made do with the little available and fired a shot into the corner of Marten Vandervoordt’s goal. However, Musiala soon had to leave the pitch in what seems to be a precautionary move by the Bayern medical team.
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