Football fans rejoice, as the sport’s most revered club tournament is back with a fresh twist. The UEFA Champions League returned on Tuesday for the inaugural season of its new league phase format, dubbed “The Swiss Model.” Fear not, football purists—marquee matchups that matter are still very much part of the schedule, with the added bonus of two extra matches for every club.
It was the dawn of a new era for the Champions League with the same thrilling action we’re accustomed to. Tuesday and Wednesday’s matches saw 41 goals scored across twelve games, with most of Europe’s marquee clubs winning their respective fixtures. However, the most impressive performance of the week undoubtedly came from Bayern Munich. The German giants have underperformed in recent seasons, going through three managers in three years, suffering Champions League disappointment, and, of course, missing out on a league title for the first time since 2012.
In an attempt to reverse this downward trajectory, the club made the surprise decision to hire former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who had previously managed Championship side Burnley. This unexpected appointment raised eyebrows, with many skeptics questioning his capability. Yet Bayern’s emphatic 9-2 victory over Dynamo Zagreb has, for now, silenced the critics. This result was something we haven’t seen for quite some time—a classic Bayern win; moreover, a classic German win. It’s a playing style synonymous with both Bayern and Germany’s football identity: relentless, with no let-up for the opposition. It had been a while since Bayern delivered such a ruthless display, and thanks to Kompany’s early influence on the squad, it seems more could be on the way.
Four matches into the season, Bayern are undefeated, with 20 goals scored. While it’s still far too early to pick a winner for any competition this season, other clubs might need to start fearing Bayern Munich once again.
