Musiala’s Hat Trick and Müller’s Brace Highlight One-Sided Thrashing in Tournament Opener
Cincinnati, OH – Bayern Munich sent a resounding message to the rest of the FIFA Club World Cup field on Sunday, demolishing New Zealand’s Auckland City 10-0 in a merciless display of attacking firepower. The Bundesliga champions ran riot at TQL Stadium, with Jamal Musiala’s second-half hat trick and Thomas Müller’s emotional brace headlining the lopsided victory.
From the opening whistle, Bayern’s superiority was undeniable. Kingsley Coman struck twice inside the first 21 minutes, while Michael Olise and Sacha Boey also found the net in a blistering first-half onslaught. Müller, potentially playing his final tournament for the club he’s served for 25 years, added a goal just before halftime—punctuating a half that saw Bayern lead 6-0.
The second half brought no respite for Auckland City. Musiala, returning from a hamstring injury, came off the bench and delivered a stunning 17-minute hat trick, showcasing the depth of Bayern’s star-studded squad. Müller capped the scoring in the 89th minute, leaving the Cincinnati crowd in awe of Bayern’s ruthless efficiency.
A Fitting Send-Off for Müller?
The match carried extra significance for Müller, who signed a short-term extension to compete in this tournament after initially planning to depart this summer. The 35-year-old club legend, a product of Bayern’s academy, has lifted nearly every major trophy in his storied career—including two previous Club World Cups. His double on Sunday served as a reminder of his enduring class.
Kim’s Absence and Bayern’s Depth
While Bayern’s attack ran wild, defender Kim Min-jae was sidelined with a minor Achilles injury. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the South Korean star is nearing a return but emphasized the intense competition for places in Bayern’s backline.
A New Era for the Club World Cup
This year’s expanded 32-team format—featuring clubs from every continent—marks a major shift for the tournament. With a staggering $1 billion prize pool and a World Cup-style group stage, the event aims to establish itself as a pinnacle of club football.
Bayern’s statement win sets the tone for their campaign, while Auckland City’s humbling defeat underscores the gulf in class between regional champions and Europe’s elite. The German giants next face [next opponent], looking to continue their charge toward another global trophy.
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