Bayern vs. Wolfsburg: The facts ahead of Rückrunde opener

FC Bayern have truly earned the title of halfway leaders this season: with 42 points from the first 17 Bundesliga matches, Vincent Kompany's men boast the best tally at this stage in three years (43 in 2021/22). The average of 2.5 points collected per game is also the best among Europe's top five leagues, together with Paris Saint-Germain. However, if they're to carry that form seamlessly into the second half of the campaign against VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, the Bavarians must end one negative run: they've failed to win on Matchday 18 in the last three seasons (D1, L2). Read the facts for signs that trend could change.

Great run against the Wolves

If this run continues, there can only be one winner on Saturday: since a 4-1 loss at Wolfsburg nearly 10 years ago, Bayern have not lost any of their 19 encounters with VfL. They've won 17 of those, dropping points just twice and triumphing in each of the last five. What's more, the Wolves have never tasted victory in Munich in 27 attempts in this competition – no other team in Bundesliga history have visited one opponent so often without once winning (more info).

Fortress Allianz Arena

After the 5-0 win over Hoffenheim in midweek, the Reds have also claimed first place in the Bundesliga home table. The Munich men have taken 22 of a possible 24 points at the Allianz Arena and are the only team in the division sitll unbeaten at home. However, dangerous opponents are coming to the Bavarian state capital now, as Wolfsburg have picked up 16 points in their eight league away outings this season – a club record only previously achieved in the 2018/19 campaign. The Lower Saxony side already have more away points on the board than in the whole of last season (15).

Goals guaranteed

When looking at the attacking talent on both sides, it could well be an entertaining contest on Saturday. Bayern have scored a whopping 53 goals in the first 17 matchdays, a figure only bettered once in Bundesliga history by FCB themselves in the 2021/22 campaign (56 goals). The current goal difference of +40 is a joint record for the Hinrunde, the first half of the season (again it was Bayern in 2021/22). Incidentally, 14 of those 53 efforts have come from set pieces, a joint league high with upcoming opponents Wolfsburg, who have also set a club record with 38 goals in the first half of the campaign.

Musiala likes Wolfsburg

Jamal Musiala returned to action against Hoffenheim having missed the start of the year due to illness. Now the 21-year-old could again face one of his favourite opponents. Musiala has scored more goals against Wolfsburg in the German top flight (six) than against any other team. The attacker has been on the scoresheet in each of his last four appearances against the Wolves – something he'd never achieved before against any other Bundesliga team.