Ismael Saibari’s two-assist bow puts him in rare Bundesliga company

Ismael Saibari became only the sixth player since detailed Bundesliga data began being collected in 2004-05 to provide two assists on his league debut, after helping Bayern Munich beat Stuttgart 5-1 at Allianz Arena on Friday.

The Morocco international came on as a second-half substitute and made an immediate impact in the opening round of the competition, setting up Bayern’s final two goals as Vincent Kompany’s side finished strongly.

According to Opta, Saibari has joined a select group whose other members are Luis Diaz, Robbie Kruse, Shinji Ono, Toni Kroos and Diego. Each of those players also recorded two assists in their first Bundesliga appearance.

Saibari replaced Nathaniel Brown and helped alter the rhythm of Bayern’s performance after the interval. His contribution was particularly important as the home side extended their advantage late in the match.

In the 82nd minute, Saibari carried the ball into the Stuttgart penalty area before evading a challenge with an accomplished piece of dribbling. Rather than attempt a shot himself, he chose to deliver a cross towards Alexander Pavlovic, who finished from close range to make it 4-1.

The 24-year-old then supplied another assist in the second minute of added time. After receiving the ball from Tom Bischof following a turnover in Stuttgart’s half, Saibari played in Luis Diaz, who ran through on goal and placed his finish into the bottom-left corner to complete Bayern’s five-goal haul.

His Bundesliga debut came only days after he had also appeared from the bench in his first match for the Bavarian giants. Saibari was introduced as Bayern defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the German Super Cup on the previous Saturday.

The two appearances have given the Moroccan a notable start to life with Bayern, with his two assists against Stuttgart placing him alongside several established international names in the Bundesliga’s statistical record.

Kompany’s decision to introduce Saibari for Brown proved decisive in the second half, as Bayern turned a convincing victory into a one-sided finish. Saibari’s willingness to create rather than shoot was evident for both assists, with his movement and passing helping unlock Stuttgart’s defence twice in the closing stages.

His performance ensures that his first Bundesliga outing will be remembered not simply as a substitute appearance in a comfortable Bayern win, but as one of the most productive league debuts recorded since Opta’s Bundesliga data collection began.