In a stunning preseason upset, SV Wehen Wiesbaden defeated German giants FC Bayern Munich 2-1 in an International Club Friendly on July 25, 2026. The match, played at the BRITA-Arena in Wiesbaden, served as a major reality check for the Bundesliga champions as they continued their preparations for the upcoming campaign.

The result was all the more remarkable given the gulf in status between the two sides. Bayern, perennial contenders for European honors, were expected to comfortably dispatch their third-tier hosts. Instead, Wehen produced a spirited performance that left the Bavarians searching for answers.

Match Overview

The friendly kicked off under warm summer conditions, with Bayern dominating possession in the early stages. However, Wehen remained compact and disciplined, looking to hit on the counter. The first clear chance fell to the visitors when Serge Gnabry saw his effort tipped over the bar by Wehen goalkeeper Florian Stritzel.

Despite Bayern's territorial advantage, it was the home side who opened the scoring against the run of play. In the 22nd minute, a quick break down the right flank saw winger Thijmen Goppel deliver a low cross that was turned home by striker Ivan Prtajin. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and visibly rattled the Bayern defense.

Key Moments

• 22' – Goal Wehen: Prtajin slots home from close range after a swift counter-attack.
• 38' – Goal Bayern: Mathys Tel latches onto a through ball from Konrad Laimer and finishes calmly to level the score.
• 57' – Goal Wehen: Goppel repeats his assist, this time finding midfielder Florian Carstens who fires low into the corner.
• 72' – Red Card Bayern: Substitute defender Tarek Buchmann is shown a second yellow card for a late challenge, leaving Bayern with ten men.
• 85' – Missed penalty: Bayern's Harry Kane sees his spot-kick saved by Stritzel, sealing the upset.

Tactical Story

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany fielded a strong starting XI, including new signings and established stars, yet the team lacked sharpness in the final third. Wehen, managed by Nils Döring, executed a classic counter-attacking game plan. The home side defended deep in a 4-4-2 block, forcing Bayern into wide areas where crosses were dealt with by the imposing central defensive pairing of Felix Luckeneder and Aleksandar Vukotić.

When Bayern equalized just before half-time through Tel, there was a sense that normal service would resume. But Wehen came out with renewed vigor after the break. The second goal, scored by Carstens, showcased the visitors' vulnerability to quick transitions. Bayern's high defensive line was repeatedly exposed, and the red card to Buchmann made a comeback impossible.

Kane's missed penalty, his first failure from the spot in a Bayern shirt, summed up an off-night for the record champions.

Standout Players

Florian Stritzel (Wehen): The goalkeeper was exceptional, making eight saves including the crucial penalty stop. His command of the area gave his defenders confidence.

Thijmen Goppel (Wehen): The Dutch winger was a constant threat on the counter, providing two assists and showing excellent decision-making in the final third.

Mathys Tel (Bayern): One of the few bright spots for the visitors, the young French forward took his goal well and looked lively, but lacked support.

Season Impact

While friendlies are often dismissed as warm-up exercises, this result will sting for Bayern. It serves as a warning that their squad depth and defensive organization still need work ahead of the Bundesliga title defense and Champions League campaign. For SV Wehen Wiesbaden, who compete in the 3. Liga, the victory provides a massive morale boost and a memorable night for their supporters.

Bayern will look to bounce back in their remaining friendlies, while Wehen can take heart from proving they can compete with the very best, even if only for one evening in July.