![\"Leipzig\u2019s](\"https:\/\/platform.bavarianfootballworks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/08\/gettyimages-2272912000.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLeipzig\u2019s Belgian forward #09 Johan Bakayoko reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between RB Leipzig and Union Berlin in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN \/ AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Demichelis\u2019 move to bring Johan Bakoyoko added the peppiness Leipzig were missing. The Belgian striker introduced an element of chaos that exposed one of Bayern\u2019s 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\u2019s movement into that area caused a lot of problems for Kompany\u2019s men.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s goal in the 52nd minute.<\/p>\n
MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 15: Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Muenchen jumps for the ball during the Telekom Cup match between FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on August 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by F. Noever\/FC Bayern via Getty Images) FC Bayern via Getty Images<\/p>\n The veteran was called into action on crucial occasions. As noted, Demichelis\u2019 team broke away several times in the opening minutes of the second half. Bakayoko\u2019s stingers nearly turned the game on its head if not for Neuer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Fu\u00dfballgott: Joshua Kimmich<\/p>\n MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 15: David Raum of RB Leipzig and Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich battle for possession during the Telekom Cup match between FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on August 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n 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\u2019s ability to rinse and repeat the simple things makes him a serial winner of the Fu\u00dfballgott 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.<\/p>\n Der Bomber: Nathaniel Brown<\/p>\n MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 15: Nathaniel Brown of FC Bayern Muenchen with the ball during the Telekom Cup match between FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on August 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by F. Noever\/FC Bayern via Getty Images) FC Bayern via Getty Images<\/p>\n 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 Pavlovi\u0107 made a spectacular through pass after spotting Brown\u2019s run. The pass itself was incredible, but, the winger-eqsue finish from Brown gave a glimpse of the cool composure of the left-back.<\/p>\n Meister of the Match: Luis D\u00edaz<\/p>\n MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 15: Luis Diaz of Bayern Munich scores his team\u2019s first goal during the Telekom Cup match between FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on August 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Every time Bayern has their backs against the wall, Luis D\u00edaz 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.<\/p>\n MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 15: Ismael Saibari of Bayern Munich is put under pressure from Rocco Reitz of RB Leipzig during the Telekom Cup match between FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on August 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n The youngster was a jolt of lightning on the right wing for Bayern. Along with D\u00edaz 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The German international\u2019s 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\u2019s goal. However, Musiala soon had to leave the pitch in what seems to be a precautionary move by the Bayern medical team.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n