Strong Karl leads FC Bayern to first win of 2026 - Bayern Munich crushes Salzburg 5-0 as youth stars shine under Kompany
Bayern Munich kicked off their Bundesliga preparations with a dominant 5-0 friendly win over Red Bull Salzburg. The match showcased strong performances from the team’s young talents, giving fans a glimpse of the club’s future under new manager Vincent Kompany.
Hiroki Ito opened the scoring just before halftime, putting Bayern ahead early. At the break, Kompany made sweeping changes, bringing on several youth players to test their skills.
The second half belonged to 17-year-old forward Lennart Karl, who stole the show with two goals and an assist. His attacking flair, combined with Michael Olise’s creative play, kept Salzburg’s defence under constant pressure. Meanwhile, 18-year-old midfielder David Daiber made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the clean sheet. The rout was completed in stoppage time when Tom Bischof found the net, sealing the 5-0 victory.
Key players like Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, and Joshua Kimmich remained sidelined due to injuries. Musiala, recovering from a leg issue, is expected back within the next three matches, while Neuer and Kimmich’s returns are not considered long-term concerns.
The convincing win highlights Bayern’s depth and the promise of their youth setup. With Kompany at the helm, the team appears well-prepared for their Bundesliga return. The focus now shifts to integrating injured stars back into the squad ahead of the season opener.
