Ismail Saibari drives Bayern to a 5-1 opening win

Ismail Saibari played a decisive role as Bayern Munich began the defence of their Bundesliga title with a commanding victory over Stuttgart. The Moroccan midfielder helped unlock the visitors late in the match, giving Vincent Kompany three points in his first league game of the campaign as Bayern coach.

Bayern won 5-1 at the Allianz Arena on Friday. Dayot Upamecano put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute, but Stuttgart equalised through Josha Vagnoman seven minutes after half-time. Michael Olise restored Bayern’s lead in the 55th minute, and Vagnoman then turned the ball into his own net two minutes later.

Saibari was involved in both of Bayern’s closing goals. He led the counter-attack that allowed Aleksandar Pavlovic to score in the 82nd minute, before delivering another pass for Luis Diaz to finish in stoppage time. His contribution helped Bayern pull away after Stuttgart committed players forward in search of a second equaliser.

The result gives the defending champions an ideal start and showed they could produce five goals even without last season’s leading scorer, Harry Kane, making an impact. Bayern next face newly promoted Schalke on September 5, while Stuttgart visit Cologne on September 4.