Bayern Munich started the 2026/27 season with silverware, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on August 22 to claim their 13th title in the competition. Goals from summer signing Nathaniel Brown and Michael Olise gave Vincent Kompany's side a commanding first-half lead, and despite a second-half Dortmund response, the result was never seriously in doubt. It was a fifth consecutive win across all competitions and confirmed the momentum built during pre-season.

The performance, though, raised questions as much as it answered them. Joshua Kimmich was openly critical after the final whistle, saying the team was "still far away" from where it needs to be despite the scoreline. Manuel Neuer's ball-playing errors drew fresh scrutiny, and the 40-year-old confirmed after the match that this season will likely be his last. Jamal Musiala missed the game entirely after suffering episodes linked to a neurological condition during pre-season, and his availability for Friday's Bundesliga opener at home to VfB Stuttgart remains uncertain following a late fitness test.

Off the pitch, the squad is being trimmed. Bryan Zaragoza is set to join Espanyol Barcelona on a loan deal that includes a mandatory purchase clause of eight million euros, ending a deeply unsuccessful spell that produced just 171 minutes of football. Joao Palhinha is closing in on a move to Benfica, while Sacha Boey was pointedly left out of the Supercup squad as the club signals he has no future in Munich. With the Bundesliga campaign beginning against Stuttgart on August 28, Bayern carry genuine confidence but also unresolved questions about their depth and fitness.