Bayern Munich began their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in style, defeating the part-timers from New Zealand, Auckland City FC, by a 10-0 margin.
Of course, there will be those who will say that there is no use for matches between teams with such a huge gap in class as the Bavarians and Auckland City.
To a certain extent, those critics might have a point, as matches and results like this don’t help either the underdogs, much less the favourites, especially after a long season for Bayern Munich.
Nonetheless, we found five valuable takeaways from this game for coach Vincent Kompany’s men.
1. The Offensive Side of the Pitch Is Working Well
The Bayern defence was not tested to any serious degree, and one might be tempted to downplay the significance of the score against Auckland, but it isn’t easy to score 10 goals in a 90-minute match against any opponent.
The New Zealand side were dropping very deep, and it takes some doing to breach such a defensive opponent 10 times.
Bayern Munich, of course, are very much accustomed to playing deep-lying rivals.
They have to do this game in, game out in most matches they play, albeit certainly not in the manner that they had to in this one, which is comparable to encounters they may sometimes have in the First Round of the German DFB Cup.
Even so, getting to double digits is an indicator that the front line is producing, which is always a good takeaway from any game.
2. Dayot Upamecano and Jamal Musiala Each Played Half an Hour After Months of Injury
Dayot Upamecano and Jamal Musiala had both been key players for Bayern in the recently completed season.
They both picked up injuries in the second half of the season, which cost the team dearly in terms of the Champions League.
Having both of them back now is good for team morale, as well as for the more difficult games to come.
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3. Musiala Is as Clinical as Ever
Musiala’s hattrick was especially valuable for his confidence above all.
The former Chelsea youngster is a talisman for Bayern; whenever he is on the pitch, he lifts the team to a higher level.
For Musiala to score three goals in 30 minutes on his comeback has value for the team going forward.
4. 17-Year-Old Bayern Munich Academy Product Lennart Karl Played Entire Second Half in First Team Debut
Lennart Karl looked like he belonged on the pitch, as he made several good moves down the right wing, coming in for Michael Olise at halftime, who had put in a Man of the Match performance in the opening 45 minutes.
The Bavarians did not miss the great Olise, as Karl showed he could play.
Granted, it is easy to come into a side that is 6-0 up, but the potential youth team diamond added to the hype about how great a player he could become.
5. The Best Is Yet To Come?
Despite all the positives, it is clear that Bayern Munich must improve continuously if they are to be a true contender in this tournament.
The Bavarians have difficult games coming up in the group stage alone, as they face Boca Juniors and Benfica later on.
Time will tell whether or not they are serious candidates to win the trophy. For now, they have the most lopsided win by far in Club World Cup history throughout its previous formats.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 06/16/2025