Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich: Champions Begin Title Defence

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Champions open at the Alte Försterei

Bayern Munich launch their Frauen Bundesliga title defence on Friday evening at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, where Union Berlin await in the season opener. Every single coach in the division has tipped Bayern to lift the trophy again - and the champions have already underlined their intent by dismantling VfL Wolfsburg 3-0 in the Supercup, with Klara Bühl delivering an assist and two goals.

Bayern's relentless pedigree

Last season's numbers were staggering: 24 wins, two draws, zero defeats, 90 goals scored and just nine conceded across 26 matches. That 74-point haul left Wolfsburg 16 points adrift. Bayern also reached the Champions League semi-finals, losing 2-4 to Barcelona in May. Coach José Barcala has been unequivocal about the target: defend the title. Lena Oberdorf has returned to full unrestricted training following two ACL injuries but is being managed carefully. New signing Sophie Proost has already impressed with her dynamism and directness.

Union Berlin's uphill task

Union finished ninth last season with eight wins, six draws and 12 defeats, scoring 42 but shipping 51. Their final form tells a mixed story - a creditable 3-3 draw at Wolfsburg was followed by a loss to Bayern, a narrow 1-0 win at Hamburger SV, a home blank against Hoffenheim and a 4-2 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt. Defensive fragility remains their biggest concern heading into the new campaign.

Head-to-head dominance

Bayern have been ruthless in this fixture. In November's reverse meeting they won 4-0, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead. The most recent clash in April was tighter - Union pushed hard in a 2-3 loss at home - but the pattern is clear. Bayern have won both meetings without dropping a point, scoring seven goals in the process.

Match officials and logistics

Miriam Schwermer, a DFB referee since 2014 who officiated the 2024 DFB-Pokal final, will take charge. Kick-off is set for 18:20 CEST on Friday 21 August.

How the match could unfold

Bayern's quality across the pitch makes them overwhelming favourites. Their Supercup performance showed that the machine is already running smoothly, and Bühl looks primed for another outstanding campaign. Union's best hope lies in replicating their spirited April showing, when they matched Bayern goal for goal in the first half. If they sit deep and stay compact, they could limit the damage - but containing a side that averaged nearly 3.5 goals per game last term is a monumental ask. The opening night belongs to Bayern on paper; Union need to prove otherwise on the pitch.