Bayern Begins the 'Treble' Journey

Bayern Munich have pledged to build on last season’s achievements and target the treble, while their Bundesliga rivals have undergone restructuring in an effort to close the gap.

Bayern open the campaign on Friday by hosting DFB Cup runners-up Stuttgart, following a successful 2025-2026 season in which they secured the domestic double and recorded the fourth-highest points total in Bundesliga history.

Vincent Kompany’s side clinched the double thanks to a Harry Kane hat-trick in the DFB Cup final against Stuttgart, suffering only one defeat in 40 domestic matches.

The Bavarian giants faced genuine resistance only in the UEFA Champions League, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by French champions Paris Saint-Germain on aggregate (6-5).

While Bayern strengthened their squad by signing Moroccan World Cup star Ismail Sarr and Nathaniel Brown, their potential rivals have made extensive changes.

Both Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have appointed new managers, while Borussia Dortmund have spent generously on young talent in a bid to challenge for the title.

Bayern defeated Dortmund in the German Super Cup last Saturday and appear eager for more ahead of a long season.

Jamal Musiala fell twice on the pitch during pre-season training, but Bayern are confident the 23-year-old will regain his previous form.

After several years of focusing on signing more experienced players, Dortmund, who host Hamburg on Saturday, have returned to their old approach of recruiting unproven but highly promising youngsters.

Including the signing of Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman, Dortmund have spent approximately 110 million euros ($128 million) this summer, a figure comparable to what Bayern spent on Sarr and Brown.

Leverkusen, champions of the 2024 season, who travel to face newly promoted Elversberg, have appointed Spanish coach Carles Martinez Novell to revitalize the rebuilding process that began after the departure of his compatriot Xabi Alonso in 2025.

Mainz play Paderborn, Union Berlin face Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig take on Mönchengladbach, and Cologne host Hoffenheim.