Bayern Munich begin Bundesliga title defence with 5-1 win over Stuttgart

Bayern Munich made a commanding start to their Bundesliga title defence by beating Stuttgart 5-1 at the Allianz Arena, with Morocco international Ismael Saibari contributing two assists on his first official league appearance for the club.

Dayot Upamecano, Michael Olise, an own goal from Stuttgart’s Joshua Vagnoman, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Luis Diaz were on target for Bayern Munich. Vagnoman scored Stuttgart’s only goal of the match, before Bayern pulled away with four goals in the second half.

The result gives Bayern Munich their first three points as they begin their attempt to retain the Bundesliga title.

Bayern took the lead in the 21st minute when Upamecano met a precise cross from Joshua Kimmich and directed his header into the Stuttgart goal.

Stuttgart responded after the interval and levelled in the 52nd minute. Vagnoman found the net with a powerful strike to restore parity and give the visitors renewed hope.

That equaliser lasted only three minutes. Olise quickly put Bayern back in front in the 55th minute after receiving an excellent pass from Kimmich and finishing the move.

Bayern extended their advantage when Vagnoman turned the ball into his own net. The goal came after a cross from Alphonso Davies caused danger in the Stuttgart penalty area.

The home side added a fourth through Aleksandar Pavlovic after another important contribution from Ismael Saibari. The Morocco international produced an impressive individual piece of skill, dribbling past a Stuttgart defender before setting up Pavlovic to score.

Saibari was involved again in stoppage time. In the second minute of added time, he supplied Diaz with a fine pass and the forward completed the scoring with Bayern’s fifth goal.

The victory marks an emphatic opening to Bayern Munich’s league campaign, while Stuttgart will have to regroup after conceding four times following their second-half equaliser.

Bayern Munich will return to Bundesliga action next Saturday when they face Schalke in the second round of matches.

Stuttgart’s next fixture will be against Koln in the same round.