Shocking Bayern Munich Held by Stuttgart in Opener

Bayern Munich players during the Bundesliga season opener against Stuttgart

Image Source: BBC

Bayern Munich were held 1-1 by Stuttgart in a lively Bundesliga season opener at Allianz Arena on Friday, 28 August 2026. Dayot Upamecano gave the defending champions the lead before Josha Vagnoman equalised shortly after half-time.

The match was still in progress at the latest update, meaning the 1-1 scoreline was not yet a final result. Bayern started the second half with the advantage after controlling much of the opening period, but Stuttgart responded quickly and showed why they are regarded as one of the division’s most dangerous challengers.

Shocking Bayern Munich setback as Stuttgart fight back

Stuttgart made the brighter start and created the first major opportunity of the night. Grischa Prömel’s cross found Tiago Tomás at the back post, but the forward sent his close-range effort high over Manuel Neuer’s goal under pressure from the Bayern defence.

Bayern then moved into control and broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. Joshua Kimmich delivered a dangerous corner towards the front post, where Upamecano rose above the Stuttgart defenders to flick a powerful header into the far corner.

The goal came against the early run of play, but it gave Vincent Kompany’s team confidence. Bayern circulated possession with greater authority and continued to press Stuttgart deep inside their own half.

Upamecano strikes, but Vagnoman restores Stuttgart’s belief

Harry Kane almost doubled Bayern’s advantage before the break. The England captain produced a precise half-volley pass to release Luis Díaz, who found himself in an excellent position. However, Stuttgart goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow reacted sharply to deny the former Liverpool winger.

Bayern went into half-time 1-0 ahead, with Kompany likely satisfied by his team’s response after Stuttgart’s promising opening. The hosts had begun to create chances regularly, while their defensive line limited Stuttgart’s attacking options.

That advantage disappeared seven minutes into the second half. Stuttgart worked the ball forward and Vagnoman found the finish required to beat Neuer, bringing the visitors level at 1-1 in the 52nd minute.

The equaliser changed the atmosphere inside Allianz Arena. Stuttgart gained renewed energy, while Bayern were forced to increase the tempo in search of another goal.

Harry Kane begins another major Bayern campaign

Kane started as Bayern’s central striker and entered the match with enormous expectations. He scored 61 goals in all competitions last season, helped Bayern complete a league and cup double, and has won the Bundesliga Golden Boot in each of his first three seasons in Germany.

The forward was also presented with the German Footballer of the Year award before kick-off. Kane is the first Englishman to receive the honour, adding another historic achievement to his already remarkable Bayern career.

Speaking to BBC Sport before the match, Kane described being mentioned in the Ballon d’Or conversation as a “massive compliment”. His opening-night performance was closely watched, although he had not scored at the latest update.

  • Harry Kane began the match in Bayern’s starting XI.
  • Dayot Upamecano scored Bayern’s 21st-minute opener.
  • Josha Vagnoman equalised in the 52nd minute.
  • Joshua Kimmich provided the assist for Bayern’s goal.
  • Fabian Bredlow made four saves for Stuttgart at the latest update.

Match statistics underline Bayern’s control

The latest match statistics showed Bayern with 57.8% possession compared with Stuttgart’s 42.2%. The home side also led the shot count 10-6 and recorded five efforts on target, while Stuttgart had two.

Bayern created 27 touches inside the opposition penalty area, compared with 10 for Stuttgart, and won six corners to the visitors’ two. Their passing numbers also reflected their control, with 333 passes and an 82% accuracy rate.

Despite those advantages, Stuttgart remained competitive. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side completed 234 passes, registered six attempts and continued to threaten on the counterattack. Their ability to recover from conceding first will encourage the visitors ahead of a demanding season that includes Champions League football.

What the result means for Bayern’s title defence

Bayern Munich began the campaign as overwhelming favourites after winning 13 of the previous 14 Bundesliga titles. Kompany’s team are chasing a third consecutive league success and had already beaten Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the German Super Cup the previous weekend.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, finished fourth last season and secured qualification for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. Their recent progress has transformed them into a serious force in German football.

The two clubs had met 166 times across all competitions before this fixture, with Bayern winning 99 matches and Stuttgart claiming 38 victories. Bayern had also won the previous six meetings, including a 3-0 DFB-Pokal final victory in May 2026.

However, Stuttgart’s determined response suggests this season may not be straightforward for the champions. With the match still live, Bayern will be pushing for a late winner, while Stuttgart will believe they can complete an impressive comeback at one of Europe’s toughest venues.

Frequently asked questions

What was the latest score between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart?

The latest update showed Bayern Munich and Stuttgart level at 1-1. Dayot Upamecano scored for Bayern, while Josha Vagnoman equalised for Stuttgart.

Who scored Bayern Munich’s goal?

Dayot Upamecano scored Bayern’s opener with a front-post header from Joshua Kimmich’s corner in the 21st minute.

Did Harry Kane score against Stuttgart?

Harry Kane started the match but had not scored at the latest update. He entered the fixture after scoring 61 goals for Bayern in all competitions last season.

Why is this match important for Stuttgart?

Stuttgart are preparing for Champions League football after finishing fourth in the previous Bundesliga campaign. A positive result at Allianz Arena would provide a major early-season boost.