Saibari marks Bayern Munich debut by setting up Musiala in victory over Leipzig

Ismael Saibari made an immediate impact on his Bayern Munich debut by providing the assist for Jamal Musiala to score a spectacular backheel, after joining the German champions for 55m euros last summer.

The Morocco international came on with 20 minutes remaining for Der Rekordmeister, making his first appearance since the World Cup. Saibari had been forced off with an injury during Morocco’s last-16 match against Canada and had not played since.

His decisive contribution arrived in the 81st minute. Saibari created the opportunity for Musiala, who finished with an impressive backheel to underline the quality of the move and give Bayern an important moment in the closing stages.

The assist gave Saibari a notable start to his Bayern career, with the 23-year-old making his presence felt shortly after entering the match. His involvement was not limited to the attacking phase, however, as he also played a significant role during a worrying incident involving Musiala late in the game.

The Germany midfielder suddenly collapsed on the pitch, prompting an immediate reaction from Saibari. The Moroccan went straight to Musiala’s aid as concern spread among the players.

According to German media reports, Musiala was suffering from heatstroke, which caused him to briefly feel unwell. The incident added a tense moment to the final minutes of the contest, although Saibari’s prompt response was clear as he tried to help his team-mate.

Saibari’s appearance was his first competitive action since the World Cup, making his assist particularly significant following his lengthy absence from match play. He had entered the game with only 20 minutes left but quickly became central to one of Bayern’s most eye-catching pieces of play.

There was also a strong Dutch presence among Leipzig’s substitutes and starting line-up. Lutsharel Geertruida, who is attracting significant interest from PSV and Ajax, came on with 20 minutes remaining.

Ezechiel Banzuzi started for Leipzig, while Ayodele Thomas was given half an hour on the pitch. Their involvement provided further interest in a match that also featured the high-profile Bayern debut of Saibari.

For the Moroccan, the evening combined an important return to football with an early contribution for his new club. After arriving for 55m euros last summer, he needed only a short period on the pitch to register an assist for Musiala and demonstrate his value in the closing stages.

His intervention during Musiala’s brief collapse also made him prominent during the match’s most concerning episode. Saibari’s debut therefore ended with both a decisive attacking contribution and a direct role in responding to the late concern surrounding his Bayern team-mate.