Comebacks, goal fests and pure drama: the spectacle that is RB Leipzig vs. FC Bayern

Exactly 69 days after the game in Bremen on matchday 15, Leipzig are finally back in Bundesliga action! And what a way to start the year! RBL are kicking off their 2023 with a blockbuster clash against FC Bayern on Friday night at a sold-out Red Bull Arena (20:30 CET). It is not only first versus third, but it is also a meeting of two of the league’s two top scorers! FCB lead the way in terms of goals scored on 49, whereas Leipzig are in third on 30.

One thing is for sure. When the two clubs face off, a spectacle of the highest order is almost guaranteed. In the 15 meetings between the two sides since our promotion to the Bundesliga in 2016, 50 goals have been scored. Five of the matches have even featured five or more goals.

Ahead of the 16th meeting between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern, we take a look at some of the most memorable matches involving the two sides. It is worth noting that the majority of the unforgettable games have taken place in Leipzig - another good sign for Friday evening!

30th July 2022: RB Leipzig 3-5 FC Bayern Munich

The last meeting between the two sides was quite simply a goal fest. RBL hosted FCB in the final of the Supercup back in July and the visitors got off to a dream start with a 3-0 lead at half time.

Leizpig’s heads didn’t drop and they found their way back into the game with a goal from Marcel Halstenberg just after the break. Bayern then went 4-1 ahead in the 66th minute, before Christopher Nkunku and Dani Olmo scored to reduce the deficit to just one. With the game finely poised at 4-3, Leroy Sané scored in injury time to put the game beyond RBL’s reach.

5th December 2020: FC Bayern Munich 3-3 RB Leipzig

Leipzig put in a really strong performance at the Allianz Arena on matchday 10 of the 2020/21 Bundesliga season. Christopher Nkunku gave the guests the lead in the 19th minute, before the hosts responded with two quick-fire goals. Justin Kluivert then made it 2-2 shortly before the break, before Emil Forsberg headed Leipzig into the lead in the 46th minute. 

Thomas Müller’s equaliser in the 75th minute proved to be the final goal in this six-goal thriller.

18th March 2018: RB Leipzig 2-1 Bayern Munich

Marco Rose will be hoping for a repeat of this particular match on Friday evening. Naby Keita put in an inspired performance on matchday 27 of the 2017/18 season as we ran out 2-1 winners over the reigning champions. Bayern took the lead in the 12th minute but the Guinean midfielder equalised in the 37th.

He then put Timo Werner through on goal in the second half with a fine pass and the striker remained characteristically cool to slot it past Sven Ulreich to give RBL a much deserved lead. Spurred on by the 42,558 fans inside a raucous Red Bull Arena, Leipzig defended valiantly for the final half an hour to take all three points.

25th October 2017: RB Leipzig 1-1 Bayern Munich (5-6 penalties)

The two sides served up a real thriller in the second round of the DFB-Pokal. It was goalless at the break after an intense first half but the game changed when Naby Keita was sent off for the hosts just eight minutes into the second. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Leipzig managed to take the game to extra time and penalties.

Emil Forsberg gave Leipzig the lead from the spot in the 68th minute before Thiago Alcântara brought Bayern level just five minutes later. RBL defended with passion and Péter Gulácsi made some great saves to take the game to extra time. Despite the brave performance, RBL were eventually knocked out on penalties.

13th May 2017: RB Leipzig 4-5 Bayern Munich

Our first home game against Bayern in May 2017 was an epic. The newly promoted RBL were 2-1 up at the break thanks to goals from Marcel Sabitzer and Timo Werner. Yussuf Poulsen then extended Leipzig’s lead in the 47th minute, before Thiago Alcântara made it 3-2 on the hour. Timo Werner then restored the two goal cushion in the 65th.

The score remained 4-2 until the 84th minute but RBL unfortunately let the game slip away. Robert Lewandowski made it 4-3, before David Alaba equalised in the 91st. Arjen Robben then scored the winner in the 95th with a superb solo run.