Bayern Munich travel to Osnabrück for the first round of the tournament, and for the Munich side it is their first Cup match since last season's triumphant final against Stuttgart (3:0). The hosts, Osnabrück, have just returned to the 2. Bundesliga after winning the 3. Liga last season and are now preparing to face a giant of the game.
Osnabrück
Timo Schultz's side approach the match after an important morale-boosting win over Bochum (1:0) — their first success since returning to the 2. Bundesliga. Despite a difficult start, with defeats to Heidenheim and Magdeburg, the club have shown character. Last season, defence was the Violets' main strength: just 34 goals conceded in 38 3. Liga matches — the best record in the competition. Over the summer, the club kept the core of the squad, particularly the three central defenders, and strengthened with newcomers such as Robin Meißner, the top scorer with 14 goals, and Adrian Beck. They are also inspired by the historic win over Bayern Munich in 1978 (5:4), which they will commemorate by wearing special retro shirts.
Bayern Munich
The Munich side began the Bundesliga with a thumping 5:1 win over Stuttgart and lifted the Super Cup, so they head into the Cup match in excellent spirits. However, the squad situation is not ideal: Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl are injured, while Jamal Musiala's return remains in doubt — the club prefer not to take risks following his recent health issues, so his appearance in Osnabrück is unlikely. Bayern Munich are nevertheless on an impressive run, having won 30 opening Cup matches in a row. Osnabrück are not an easy opponent for the Munich side either — all three previous Cup meetings have been difficult, and in 2004 Bayern Munich only snatched victory in the closing minutes.
Osnabrück vs Bayern Munich Prediction
Bayern Munich are clear favourites, but Osnabrück will not surrender without a fight. Coach Schultz has already said: “Do we need to talk about the favourite and the odds? The match starts at 0:0.” The hosts will rely on an organised defence, quick counter-attacks and fervent support from the stands. Bayern Munich, in turn, will try to decide the outcome through individual quality, but rotation and injuries may mean they lack their usual cohesion. Given the history of the head-to-head meetings, the Cup factor and the underdogs' motivation, Osnabrück can put up a fight and avoid a heavy defeat. We expect a close match, but the players' quality should ultimately tell.
