On Friday evening FC Bayern will go into the official opening game of the Bundesliga season as reigning champions for the tenth time. FCB can point to an almost immaculate record having won eight of the previous nine fixtures. They have scored at least two goals in all of them, with an overall goal difference of 28:6. The last time they didn’t win was in 2008, when they drew 2-2 against Hamburger SV. In the build-up to the opening match of the 55th Bundesliga season, fcbayern.com has dug out some other facts and figures.
First time for Leverkusen
In contrast to Bayern, this is Bayer Leverkusen’s first time in the official opening game. Overall FCB and the Werkself have met on the opening matchday of a Bundesliga season on five occasions, and all five have been in Munich. The last time they met at the start of the season was 27 years ago in 1990 when they drew 1-1. Bayern had won the previous three.
Champions unbeaten in opening game
The record for the defending champions in the official opening game also looks favourable. In 15 matches since the event was established in 2002, the German title-holders have never lost (12 wins, three draws). The last eight have been won by the champions, and none of the 15 matches have ended goalless. The biggest win in an opening game was last season when Bayern thrashed Werder Bremen 6-0.
Strong record against Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have not gained much from their previous visits to Bayern. FCB have won 29 of their 38 meetings in Munich, with six draws and only three Leverkusen wins. The Werkself’s last victory, and their only one in the last 27 years, was in October 2012 when they won 2-1.
FCB unbeaten in 22 home league games
Last season was the first time that Bayern went a whole Bundesliga campaign without a home defeat since 2007/08. The record German champions are unbeaten in 22 home league games (17 wins, five draws, 68:11 goal difference), with their last defeat at the Allianz Arena coming back in March 2016 against Mainz. This is the Reds’ longest unbeaten run at home in the league since their 26-match streak between November 2012 and March 2014.
Stieler in charge for opening game
Tobias Stieler is the referee for the first Bundesliga game of the season. His last FCB match was the 5-4 win at RB Leipzig last season. The 36 year-old from Hamburg will be assisted by Matthias Jöllenbeck and Christian Gittelmann. The fourth official is Martin Petersen and Dr. Jochen Drees has the honour of being the first video assistant referee in a Bundesliga game.
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