The Bundesliga returns from its winter hiatus today, Sunday, January 11, 2026, as league leaders Bayern Munich host VfL Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena. For Vincent Kompany’s men, it is a chance to extend their dominant eight-point lead at the summit and continue a historic unbeaten run.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 UTC (17:30 local time).
The Storyline: A Year of Superlatives Continues
Bayern Munich enters 2026 in predatory form. Having secured the unofficial title of Hinrundenmeister (halfway champions) with a 4–0 thrashing of Heidenheim in December, the Bavarians are looking to build on a phenomenal 2025. Last year, they collected 87 points from 34 games and set a Bundesliga record by scoring in every matchday of the calendar year.
For Wolfsburg, the trip to Munich is statistically the most daunting fixture in German football. The "Wolves" have never won a Bundesliga away game against Bayern in 28 attempts (W0, D2, L26). Currently sitting 14th and just three points above the relegation play-off spot, Daniel Bauer’s side will need a miracle to break their Allianz Arena hoodoo.
Team News: The Return of a Legend
The big news from the Bayern camp is the return of Manuel Neuer. Coach Vincent Kompany confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the veteran goalkeeper has recovered from a hamstring injury and will start.
Bayern Munich Team News
Out: Jamal Musiala (leg) is close to a return but tonight comes too soon. Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, Min-jae Kim, and Sacha Boey remain sidelined.
The Rising Star: 17-year-old Lennart Karl, who has taken the league by storm in Musiala’s absence, is expected to start again after a brace in a recent friendly against Salzburg.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Olise, Karl, Luis Díaz; Kane.
VfL Wolfsburg Team News
International Duty: Mohamed Amoura is away at AFCON with Algeria.
Out: Jenson Seelt (flu), Jonas Wind, Joakim Mæhle, and Andreas Skov Olsen are all unavailable.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Grabara; Kumbedi, Bornauw, Koulierakis, Zehnter; Gerhardt, Arnold; Eriksen, Majer, Wimmer; Pejcinovic.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Historic Dominance: Bayern is unbeaten in their last 20 league encounters with Wolfsburg (W18, D2).
Harry Kane's Record: The England captain has 19 league goals this season and reached 100 Bundesliga goal involvements in record time (78 games).
Kompany’s Milestone: Tonight marks Vincent Kompany’s 50th match as a Bundesliga coach. He currently averages 2.5 points per game—equal to Pep Guardiola's record start.
Goals Guaranteed: Bayern has scored at least two goals in each of their last 23 Bundesliga matches
Tactical Analysis: Breaking the Low Block
Wolfsburg’s defense has been leaky, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games. Bauer will likely employ a deep "low block" to frustrate Bayern, relying on the creativity of Christian Eriksen and the finishing of Dženan Pejcinović (who recently scored a hat-trick against Freiburg) on the counter-attack.
Bayern will look to exploit the wings through Michael Olise and Luis Díaz, providing service for Harry Kane. The absence of Kimmich means Leon Goretzka will have more defensive responsibility, tasked with stopping Wolfsburg’s transitions before they can reach the final third.
Match Prediction
Given Wolfsburg's dismal record in Munich and Bayern’s irresistible attacking form, it is hard to see anything other than a home victory to ring in the New Year.
Final Score Prediction: Bayern Munich 3–1 Wolfsburg
