The 2019-2020 season will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of Bayern Munich. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Bayern Munich achieved an extraordinary feat: winning five major trophies in a single season. This remarkable achievement, known as the Quintuple, included the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. It was a season where Bayern played irresistible football, combining offensive firepower with solid defensive structure, and showcasing their dominance across all competitions.
The Appointment of Hansi Flick
Bayern Munich’s 2019-2020 season did not start in a particularly ideal manner. In November 2019, after a disappointing start to the season under manager Niko Kovač, Bayern Munich was struggling in both domestic and European competitions. The club, which had a rich history of success, was in need of a change. This is when Hansi Flick, who had been Kovač’s assistant, was appointed as interim manager.
Flick was not an unknown figure at Bayern. He had previously worked with the German national team and had helped guide them to success in the 2014 World Cup as an assistant coach. However, it was his understanding of Bayern’s internal structure, his tactical acumen, and his ability to get the best out of his players that made him the perfect candidate to take charge.
Flick’s appointment proved to be a turning point for the club. His high-pressing style, quick transitions, and focus on offensive play instantly transformed Bayern into a ruthless, attacking machine. His tactical changes allowed Bayern to regain their form, playing with more intensity and freedom, which proved crucial in their remarkable run across all competitions.
Bayern’s Offensive Machine
One of the standout features of Bayern Munich’s 2019-2020 season was their devastating attacking play. The team scored goals at an almost unbelievable rate, with Robert Lewandowski at the forefront of their offensive juggernaut. The Polish striker had a career-defining season, finishing as the Bundesliga’s top scorer with 34 goals and continuing to score prolifically across all competitions. His ability to score with both feet and his head made him one of the deadliest forwards in the world.
Alongside Lewandowski, Bayern had a wealth of attacking talent that contributed to their success. Thomas Müller, who had once been written off by many, was rejuvenated under Flick. His clever positioning and superb link-up play saw him register 40 goal contributions (in goals and assists) in the 2019-2020 season. Müller’s famous “Raumdeuter” role, or “space interpreter,” was more evident than ever, as he frequently found space in the final third to create chances for himself and his teammates.
Another key player was Serge Gnabry, who emerged as one of Europe’s best wingers. His pace, dribbling, and finishing ability were critical to Bayern’s success. Gnabry played a pivotal role in the Champions League, particularly in the knockout rounds, where he scored crucial goals, including a brace in the famous 7-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and two goals in the semifinal against Lyon.
Kingsley Coman and Philippe Coutinho also made important contributions, with Coman’s ability to beat defenders on the left wing and Coutinho’s creativity adding depth to Bayern’s attacking arsenal. Together, they formed a devastating offensive unit that was capable of overwhelming any opposition.
Defensive Solidity and Midfield Control
While Bayern’s attack grabbed the headlines, their success was built on a solid defensive foundation and a midfield capable of controlling the tempo of the game. In defense, Joshua Kimmich played a crucial role. The versatile midfielder-turned-right-back was key both defensively and offensively, providing vital assists and delivering an exceptional level of consistency throughout the season. Kimmich’s leadership and tactical intelligence were integral to Bayern’s pressing game and build-up play.
At the heart of Bayern’s defense, David Alaba and Jerome Boateng formed a strong partnership. Alaba, a player of incredible versatility, excelled in the center of defense, while Boateng’s experience and composure under pressure ensured Bayern were solid at the back. Manuel Neuer, arguably the world’s best goalkeeper at the time, was his usual self—producing game-winning saves and commanding his area. Neuer’s sweeper-keeper style became crucial in Bayern’s high-pressing game, as he was often the first line of attack when starting build-up play.
In midfield, Bayern had the perfect balance of work-rate and creativity. Leon Goretzka was the box-to-box dynamo who added energy and power to the midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively was a major asset for the team. Partnering him was Thiago Alcântara, the heartbeat of Bayern’s midfield. Thiago was the master of ball retention and distribution, dictating the tempo of the game with his exceptional vision and passing ability. Although he would leave the club for Liverpool after the season, Thiago’s influence on Bayern’s play in 2019-2020 was immense.
Bundesliga Triumph
The 2019-2020 Bundesliga title race was one of the most exciting in recent years. Bayern Munich, who had been trailing behind Borussia Dortmund for much of the early season, went on a sensational 24-game unbeaten run to claim the title. This remarkable turnaround was largely due to Flick’s tactical approach, which allowed Bayern to turn up the pressure after the winter break.
The final stretch of the Bundesliga season saw Bayern ruthlessly dispatching their opponents, scoring goals with ease and playing dominant football. Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund were unable to keep pace as Bayern finished the season as champions with 82 points, seven ahead of second-place Dortmund. The title win was Bayern’s eighth consecutive Bundesliga title, a testament to their dominance in German football.
DFB-Pokal and UEFA Champions League Glory
In the DFB-Pokal, Bayern continued their impressive form, overcoming Leverkusen 4-2 in the final. The win secured Bayern their second major trophy of the season and set the stage for the biggest challenge of all: the UEFA Champions League.
The Champions League, which was set to conclude in a unique final-eight tournament format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Bayern Munich at their very best. They dispatched Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16, before dominating Barcelona in one of the most memorable matches in football history, winning 8-2 in the quarterfinals. The game was a brutal display of Bayern’s attacking prowess, and the Barcelona defeat became a symbol of Bayern’s dominance.
In the semifinals, Bayern defeated Olympique Lyonnais 3-0, with goals from Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski securing their place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The final, held on August 23, 2020, in Lisbon, was a tactical battle that saw Bayern come out on top with a 1-0 victory. The only goal of the match came from Kingsley Coman, who headed home a cross from Joshua Kimmich in the 59th minute. Bayern’s defense held firm, with Manuel Neuer making crucial saves, and the team secured their sixth Champions League title, cementing their place in history.
The UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup
After their Champions League triumph, Bayern Munich added more silverware to their collection. First, they defeated Sevilla 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup, with Javi Martínez scoring the decisive goal in extra time. This was Bayern’s second European trophy of the season.
Later, Bayern completed their remarkable quintuple by winning the FIFA Club World Cup. They defeated UANL Tigres 1-0 in the final in Qatar, with Benjamin Pavard scoring the winning goal. This victory sealed Bayern’s place in history as one of the greatest club sides ever assembled.
Legacy of the Quintuple Season
Bayern Munich’s 2019-2020 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Under Hansi Flick, the team played some of the most exhilarating, dominant football ever seen in European club football. With an exceptional squad and a clear tactical plan, Bayern Munich achieved the rarest of feats by winning five major trophies in a single season. Their dominance across all competitions—domestically and internationally—was a testament to their strength, resilience, and tactical brilliance.
The achievement of the Quintuple will stand as one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of football. With players like Lewandowski, Müller, Kimmich, Thiago, Neuer, and many others performing at the peak of their powers, Bayern Munich became an unstoppable force in world football, earning their place in the annals of the game’s legends. The 2019-2020 season will be remembered for years to come, both for its unmatched success and the breathtaking football that accompanied it.