The European winter football hiatus officially draws to a close for the German record champions today as FC Bayern Munich travel to the Red Bull Arena to face Austrian powerhouses FC Red Bull Salzburg. This high-profile “test match” serves as the final preparation for Vincent Kompany’s side before they resume their relentless pursuit of the Bundesliga title later this week.
With over 26,000 tickets sold and a freezing Alpine backdrop, the stage is set for a clash that is far more than just a friendly. For Salzburg, it is a chance to claim a scalp against Europe’s elite; for Bayern, it is a critical fitness check for a squad entering a grueling phase of ten matches in just 34 days.
Where to Watch: Official Streaming & Broadcast Partners
Unlike competitive UEFA Champions League fixtures, mid-season friendlies often feature exclusive club-led broadcasting. Fans looking to catch the action live have several options depending on their location:
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Primary Global Stream: FC Bayern TV PLUS
The most reliable way to watch the match globally is through Bayern Munich’s own premium streaming service.
- Details: FC Bayern TV PLUS is providing exclusive live coverage of the entire match, starting with a pre-match build-up from 14:45 CET.
- Access: Available via the official FC Bayern website (fcbayern.com) and the FC Bayern App. A subscription is required (monthly and annual plans are available).
European Television Coverage
Several regional broadcasters have picked up the rights for this specific encounter:
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- Austria: Fans in the host nation can watch the game for free on ServusTV and its digital platform, ServusTV On.
- Germany: In addition to the club’s app, ServusTV Deutschland and DAZN (via their linear “Bar” channels) may offer delayed or live coverage in specific hospitality zones.
- Other Regions: Local sports networks such as Arena Sport (Balkans) and S Sport (Turkey) have listed the fixture in their schedules.
In India & The Subcontinent
While major sports networks like Sony or Star Sports typically focus on competitive league games, fans in India are advised to use the FC Bayern TV PLUS platform. Alternatively, real-time match data and “live ticker” updates are available on Flashscore and the OneFootball app for those unable to access the video stream.
Match Details & Kick-Off Times
- Fixture: FC Red Bull Salzburg vs. FC Bayern Munich
- Venue: Red Bull Arena, Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg
- Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Local Time (CET): 15:00
- UK Time (GMT): 14:00
- India Time (IST): 19:30
Team News: Kompany’s Tactical Puzzles
Bayern Munich enter 2026 in imperious form, sitting comfortably at the top of the Bundesliga. However, Vincent Kompany faces a few selection headaches for today’s trip to Austria.
- The Missing Links: Joshua Kimmich has remained in Munich to continue individual recovery from an ankle issue. The squad is also without Nicolas Jackson, who is currently on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- The Returnees: On a brighter note, Hiroki Ito is back in the matchday squad after a lengthy injury layoff. Additionally, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is back in training, though young star Jonas Urbig is expected to see significant minutes today to manage Neuer’s workload.
- The “Kane” Factor: Harry Kane, having shattered records in the first half of the season, is expected to lead the line for at least 45 minutes as he looks to sharpen his scoring boots for the upcoming league clash against VfL Wolfsburg.
Salzburg’s Outlook: Currently leading the Austrian Bundesliga by three points, Salzburg under Thomas Letsch will be eager to test their young defensive duo, Joane Gadou and Jacob Rasmussen, against the world’s most feared attack.
Recent History: A Dominant Rivalry
History suggests a tough afternoon for the hosts. In their last friendly meeting on this exact date in 2025, Bayern clinicaly dismantled Salzburg 6-0.
| Date | Competition | Result | Key Performers |
| Jan 6, 2025 | Friendly | Salzburg 0-6 Bayern | Michael Olise (2), Thomas Müller |
| Mar 8, 2022 | Champions League | Bayern 7-1 Salzburg | Robert Lewandowski (Hat-trick) |
| Jan 13, 2023 | Friendly | Bayern 4-4 Salzburg | High-scoring thriller |
While the statistics favor the German giants, Salzburg’s Red Bull Arena is known for its electric atmosphere, and the hosts will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last year’s lopsided scoreline.
Key Matchday Insight
This match serves as more than just a fitness exercise. For players like Michael Olise and Leroy Sané, it is a chance to solidify their spots in the starting XI before the Champions League knockout stages begin. For the fans, it’s the first glimpse of a Bayern side that many experts, including Bastian Schweinsteiger, believe is destined to lift the Champions League trophy at the end of this season.
