Bayern's to lose?

Bayern Munich enter the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against DFB Cup holders VfB Stuttgart as strong favorites. Historically, Bayern are the competition's record winners with eight triumphs in 13 appearances, although their last win was in 2022. The Supercup generally favors the Bundesliga champions, who have won it eight times compared to seven wins for the cup holders or league runners-up. Bayern also hold a significant head-to-head advantage over Stuttgart, having won 95 of their 162 competitive meetings (with 38 Stuttgart wins and 29 draws), including victories in both league matches last season.

Bayern's confidence is further bolstered by their dominant performance in winning the 2024/25 Bundesliga title, their 33rd. They lost only two league games all season, amassed 82 points, and boasted the league's best goal difference (+62). They were also the top scorers (99 goals) and had the tightest defense (32 goals conceded). In contrast, Stuttgart, despite winning the DFB Cup, finished ninth in the Bundesliga on 50 points, with a goal difference of +11, placing them closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table.