Bayern Munich produced a controlled performance against Jeju SK FC to get their Audi Summer Tour off to a winning start.
Here are the biggest talking points from Bayern’s 2-1 victory at the Jeju World Cup Stadium.
Aleksandar Pavlović’s starting role is in serious contention
After a string of middling performances towards the end of Bayern’s 2025/26 campaign, plus a disappointing World Cup, Aleksandar Pavlović‘s starting role alongside Joshua Kimmich is in danger. Ironically, Pavlović’s form is only half the story. The other half is thanks to Tom Bischof’s meteoric
trajectory.
Simply put: Tom Bischof is superb.
The 21-year-old is extremely well-rounded — and he proved it once again against Jeju. Bischof’s passing range was superb, constantly pinging an array of pinpoint-accurate passes out to Bayern’s left flank. His defending was just as impressive, and let’s not forget about his cannon of a left foot. Attack, defence, control, Bischof has it all.
It has been confirmed that Bischof is set for a more significant role this season, but few could have foreseen the former Hoffenheim man pushing Pavlović for a starting berth in Bayern’s midfield.
Two young, talented midfielders looking to earn their spot in Bayern’s starting eleven — Vincent Kompany couldn’t have a more ideal selection headache.
Is there a world where João Palhinha stays at Bayern?
Is it possible that Kompany is exploring a future in which Palhinha remains at Bayern?
Hear me out. João Palhinha has seen a healthy amount of playing time across Bayern’s preseason fixtures, starting against Wehen Wiesbaden, Rottach-Egern, and Jeju. Bayern’s midfield consists of Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, Tom Bischof, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye. That’s thin at best. One injury, and you’re only left with one backup for two positions. Then, consider the fact that the Portuguese midfielder is virtually unsellable at this point.
All solid reasons to at least consider keeping the 31-year-old midfielder around for the upcoming season.
Joga bonito is alive and well…in South Korea?
Anyone hoping to see Brazil produce their trademark Joga Bonito style at the World Cup would have been sorely disappointed after a largely lackluster tournament. But fear not, those seeking some Samba football can still find it… In South Korea apparently.
In the 15th minute, Jeju produced an exquisite piece of football courtesy of Brazilian forward Matheus Aiás. The striker picked up the ball in Bayern’s box and proceeded to rainbow flick — yes, you read that correctly — Kim Min-jae, before teeing up Lee Chang-Min, who made no mistake in guiding his left-footed strike into the corner of the net.
I had a lot of things on my bingo card for this match — first-team debuts, debut goals, the reintroduction of Bayern’s first team players — but I can safely say, no part of me expected Jeju scoring a goal off the back of a rainbow flick.
Carlo Ancelotti might have to spend some time in South Korea scouting Aiás. Brazil certainly could have used his skill up front.
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