Bayern Munich Kicks Off Pre-Season with Thrilling Friendly Against Olympique Lyonnais at Allianz Arena
Bayern Munich faces Olympique Lyonnais in their first pre-season friendly at the Allianz Arena. Get the latest team news, lineups, and match preview.
By Neeraj Kumar | August 2, 2025
Munich, Germany – Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions, are poised to launch their pre-season campaign with an exciting friendly against Olympique Lyonnais at the iconic Allianz Arena. Scheduled for August 2, 2025, at 3:30 PM local time (9:30 AM EDT, 6:30 AM PDT), this match marks the first of four friendlies for the Bavarian giants in August as they gear up for the 2025-2026 Bundesliga season. Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash, which promises to showcase both established stars and emerging talents.
The Allianz Arena: A Footballing Icon
The Allianz Arena, opened in 2005, is one of the most recognizable stadiums in world football. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, it features an outer layer of 2,864 ETFE plastic panels that can be illuminated in various colors, creating a stunning visual spectacle. With a capacity of over 75,000, the stadium has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including Champions League finals and international fixtures. For this friendly, the arena is expected to be filled with passionate Bayern fans, creating an electric atmosphere.
Luis Díaz’s Arrival Sparks Excitement
One of the biggest talking points for Bayern Munich is the recent signing of Luis Díaz from Liverpool FC. The Colombian international, renowned for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing, is expected to make his debut as a substitute in this match. Díaz’s transfer was a major coup for Bayern, given his impressive performances in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League with Liverpool. His ability to play on either wing and contribute defensively makes him a versatile addition to coach Vincent Kompany’s squad.
“Luis is a fantastic player, and we’re delighted to have him with us,” Kompany said in a pre-match press conference. “He brings a different dimension to our attack, and we’re looking forward to seeing him in action.” Fans will be keen to see how Díaz integrates into Bayern’s high-octane playing style, which emphasizes quick transitions and attacking flair.
Bayern’s Probable Lineup: A Blend of Experience and Youth
Bayern Munich is likely to field a strong lineup for this friendly, balancing seasoned players with promising youngsters. The expected starting XI includes:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Manuel Neuer |
| Defenders | Josip Stanišić, Kim Min-jae, Jonathan Tah, Sacha Boey |
| Midfielders | Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović |
| Forwards | Kingsley Coman, Tom Bischof (CAM), Michael Olise, Harry Kane |
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will provide a steadying presence in goal, leveraging his vast experience and leadership to organize the defense. The backline, featuring Josip Stanišić, Kim Min-jae, Jonathan Tah, and Sacha Boey, combines solidity with attacking intent. In midfield, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović are expected to provide control and creativity, while the attacking quartet of Kingsley Coman, Tom Bischof, Michael Olise, and Harry Kane will look to test Lyon’s defense.
Keep an eye on 19-year-old Tom Bischof, a graduate of Bayern's own academy. Having made his mark in youth tournaments, the promising attacking midfielder is now seizing his opportunity with the senior squad. His selection highlights Bayern's ongoing strategy of developing young talent internally, a pathway that famously launched careers such as Thomas Müller and David Alaba.
Olympique Lyonnais: A Formidable Opponent
Olympique Lyonnais, one of France’s most successful clubs, will provide a stern test for Bayern. Known for their attacking style and youth development, Lyon has a rich history, having won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008 and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2020. Their current squad includes a mix of experienced players and young prospects, making them a challenging opponent even in a friendly setting.
Carrying momentum from an undefeated pre-season campaign (wins over FC Villefranche and Mallorca, plus a draw against Daring Brussels), Lyon will likely approach the Bayern clash with significant confidence, aiming to make a strong statement.
The Importance of Pre-Season Friendlies
Pre-season friendlies are a critical part of any team’s preparation for the competitive season. For Bayern Munich, this match against Lyon offers a chance to test new tactics, integrate new signings, and assess the fitness levels of the squad. Coach Kompany is likely to experiment with different formations, potentially switching between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 to find the right balance for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.
Last season, Bayern had a mixed pre-season, winning two out of four friendlies but still going on to claim the Bundesliga title. These matches are not just about results but about building chemistry and addressing tactical weaknesses. For instance, Bayern will be looking to improve their defensive transitions, an area that was occasionally exposed last season.
Where to Watch and Ticket Information
Fans can watch the match live on FC Bayern TV PLUS, which offers exclusive coverage of the game. For those wishing to experience the vibrant atmosphere at the Allianz Arena, tickets are still available through FC Bayern’s official website. The stadium’s modern facilities and passionate fanbase make it a fortress for Bayern Munich, and supporters are expected to turn out in large numbers.
Looking Ahead to the Season
This friendly against Lyon is just the first step in Bayern’s pre-season preparations. The team has three more friendlies scheduled in August, including matches against Tottenham Hotspur on August 7 and Grasshopper Club Zürich on August 12. These games will provide further opportunities to fine-tune the squad before the competitive season begins with the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against VfB Stuttgart on August 16.
With new signings like Díaz and young players like Bischof, Bayern is building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, with Bayern aiming to defend their Bundesliga title and make a strong push in the UEFA Champions League.
Conclusion
As Bayern Munich takes on Olympique Lyonnais at the Allianz Arena, the stage is set for an exciting encounter. With new signings and young talents on display, this friendly promises to be a thrilling start to Bayern’s pre-season campaign. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see how the team performs and what lies ahead in what promises to be another thrilling season.
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