Luis Díaz Shines as Bayern Munich Edges Lyon 2–1 in Pre-Season Thriller

Published: August 2, 2025 | By: Bundesliga Blog Team

Bayern Munich fans got their first taste of the 2025/26 squad in action on August 2, when the German giants hosted Olympique Lyonnais at the Allianz Arena in a lively pre-season encounter. While it was technically “just a friendly,” there was nothing casual about the intensity on the pitch—especially with new signings eager to impress and injured stars slowly working their way back to full fitness.

The Bavarians emerged 2–1 victors, thanks to a stunning debut from Luis Díaz and a cool-headed double from Michael Olise. But beyond the scoreline, the match offered a glimpse into Bayern’s evolving tactical setup under new head coach Vincent Kompany, and a look at what lies ahead this season.

Pre-Match Buzz: A Clash With Storylines

The fixture wasn’t just a test of pre-season fitness. It was a clash loaded with context: Lyon, coming off a 6th-place finish in Ligue 1, are rebuilding under their own new direction. Meanwhile, Bayern, still reeling from a trophyless 2024/25 campaign, are determined to restore their dominance in the Bundesliga and Europe.

The Allianz Arena welcomed over 60,000 fans who came not only to cheer for their team but to witness the debut of Colombian winger Luis Díaz, recently transferred from Liverpool in a high-profile deal.

Lineup Notes: Kompany Mixes Youth and Experience

New boss Vincent Kompany sent out a mixed XI. Manuel Neuer returned between the sticks after a long injury layoff. In front of him were Josip Stanišić, Jonathan Tah, Kim Min-jae, and Sacha Boey—a blend of stability and experimentation.

The midfield double pivot featured Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović, while in attack, Michael Olise, Tom Bischof, Kingsley Coman, and Harry Kane rounded out the front four. Notably absent were Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, both recovering from injuries.

First Half: Dominance Without Goals

From the opening whistle, Bayern looked the more threatening side. They held nearly 70% of possession, repeatedly pushing into the final third. Yet, for all their ball control, clear chances were rare.

Harry Kane had a close-range header pushed wide in the 24th minute, and a curling effort from Olise grazed the post. Lyon, for their part, looked compact and dangerous on the counter but failed to test Neuer meaningfully in the first half.

Despite Bayern’s dominance, the first 45 minutes ended 0–0.

Second Half: Enter Luis Díaz

The energy shifted almost instantly when Luis Díaz came on at halftime.

Within eight minutes, Díaz had already stamped his name all over the match. In the 53rd minute, he skipped past two Lyon defenders with dazzling footwork before being fouled in the box. Penalty!

Michael Olise stepped up and calmly converted, giving Bayern a deserved 1–0 lead.

Just ten minutes later, Olise was at it again. This time, he latched onto a low cross from Serge Gnabry and slotted home Bayern’s second. 2–0. The Allianz Arena erupted.

Late Scare: Lyon Fight Back

Bayern looked in full control until the 78th minute, when a defensive lapse allowed Lyon’s Jeffinho Gomes to pounce on a loose ball and beat Neuer with a low drive. It was 2–1, and for a few nervous moments, the crowd sensed a possible comeback.

However, Bayern saw out the final minutes with professionalism, keeping Lyon at bay with solid possession and defensive discipline.

Star Men: Olise and Díaz Impress

Michael Olise

The English winger bagged a brace and looked sharp throughout. His link-up play with Kane and Díaz was especially promising. Fans can expect Olise to be a central figure in Kompany’s attacking plans.

Luis Díaz

Though he played only 45 minutes, Díaz was electric. His pace, directness, and ability to draw fouls made an instant difference. The Colombian looks like he’ll be a nightmare for Bundesliga defenders.

Vincent Kompany’s Tactical Imprint

Kompany is already leaving his mark. Bayern pressed higher, circulated the ball with intent, and looked more fluid in transitions. The use of double pivots and inverted fullbacks is clearly something he’s developing during preseason.

The coach also gave minutes to young talents like Paul Wanner and Tom Bischof, signaling a willingness to blend youth into the first team.

Injury Watch: Updates on Musiala, Davies, and Neuer

Jamal Musiala is progressing in his recovery from a fractured fibula. The club expects him to return by November.
Alphonso Davies continues his ACL rehab and may be ready before Christmas.
Neuer looked confident and composed, though he’s still regaining full sharpness. He is expected to start the Bundesliga opener.

Transfer Watch: Still More Moves to Come?

Rumors continue to swirl around potential reinforcements. Bayern have been linked with forwards Benjamin Šeško and Nick Woltemade, both seen as long-term solutions.

Internally, contract talks with players like Kimmich, Sané, and Davies remain on the club’s radar. There’s also speculation that Bayern could look to bring in another midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Looking Ahead: Tottenham Up Next

Bayern’s preseason continues with a tougher test: Tottenham Hotspur visit the Allianz Arena in a few days. That match will provide further insight into how ready Bayern are for competitive football.

The Bundesliga season kicks off soon, and Kompany’s side looks to be gelling just in time.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start

Bayern Munich fans have reason to be optimistic. The 2–1 win over Lyon wasn’t just a preseason W—it was a glimpse into a future that could be very bright.

Luis Díaz is the real deal, Olise is thriving, and Kompany’s ideas are clearly being absorbed. The road back to Bundesliga dominance and European glory may be long, but this performance shows Bayern are headed in the right direction.

What did you think of Luis Díaz’s debut? Should Bayern make more signings before the season starts? Let us know in the comments below!