Why Heidenheim game sharpens Bayern's focus for PSG

It’s perhaps the most important quality in a season in which there’s everything to play for: even after setbacks, FC Bayern remain unbreakable. With eight wins and 28 points from losing positions this term, the newly crowned German champions have already set the record for comeback wins in the Bundesliga. Precisely this quality fuels the confidence that the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain is far from over after the 5-4 defeat in the first leg. Before the second leg, though, there’s Bundesliga business to attend to, with the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim. The meeting on Saturday (15:30 CEST) gives Vincent Kompany and his side the chance to strengthen their belief in a great comeback and sharpen the mentality that will be required again a few days later on the biggest stage.

Bayern certainly won’t be taking this home game lightly, especially given their record this season. WIth 82 points after 31 matchdays, the record champions are enjoying their second-best Bundesliga campaign – only in 2012/13 did they have more points at this stage. Key to that is the fact that the attack have been hitting levels never seen before in the league. They’ve already smashed the record for most goals in a Bundesliga season with 113; across Europe, only Athletic Bilbao in 1930/31 have ever registered a higher goals average.

Of course, Kompany’s men will want to increase that figure at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. The signs are promising – for several reasons. For a start, the head-to-head record is clearly in favour of the champions. In five top-flight meetings with FCH, Bayern have only dropped points once – in a 3-2 home win for Heidenheim in April 2024. The Munich attack has particularly enjoyed these encounters. Of all the teams who FCB have faced at least five times in the Bundesliga, they’ve only scored more goals per game on average against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen (4.4 per game).

Another reason for the Bavarians to be confident is the form of their attacking stars. Jamal Musiala has been directly involved in more goals than any other player over the last three Bundesliga matchdays (two goals, two assists), while our number 10 has also registered the most penalty-box actions per 90 minutes (10) among all players with at least 400 minutes in the Bundesliga this season. The 23-year-old combines creativity with determination – just the mix that Bayern need against deep-lying opponents like Heidenheim.

Then there are the impressive numbers from Luis Díaz and Michael Olise. For the first time since detailed data collection began in 2004/05, two players have recorded at least 13 goals and 13 assists in a Bundesliga campaign. Together with Harry Kane, the wing wizards achieved a special milestone in the match at PSG on Tuesday: Díaz’s goal, which made the final scoreline 5-4, represented the trio’s 100th goal in all competitions this season. The front three epitomise the new variability in Bayern’s attacking play – and symbolise a team that is always capable of turning games around and crushing opponents with their power.

Milestone for Heidenheim – and last hope

It’s probably the toughest task of the season for a Heidenheim team whose defence is one of the leakiest in the league. The Baden-Württemberg club have conceded 66 goals, the joint most along with fellow strugglers VfL Wolfsburg. For Bayern it’s the perfect setting to maintain the flair, tempo and efficiency for Paris – with all due respect to opponents who have battled to keep their survival hopes alive in recent weeks.

Focus & statement for PSG second leg

The situation for Frank Schmidt’s side ahead of their 100th Bundesliga fixture is precarious: the gap to 16th place stands at four points. In the three-point era, such a distance has never been made up in the final three matchdays. The visitors are in last chance saloon – although they can count on Budu Zivzivadze, among others, who has scored in three consecutive Bundesliga games for the first time.

The stage is set: motivated opponents, a milestone for Heidenheim, a Bayern team in champions mode – and thoughts of Paris in the back of their minds. Against this backdrop, Kompany’s side can showcase what sets them apart: an attack of historic proportions, remarkable resilience, and the clear message that they’re still very much in the fight in Europe. 

A closer look at Heidenheim: