January 7, 2026
[Bayern] Hiroki Ito Scores First Goal of 2026 as Bayern Smash Salzburg 5–0
Ahead of the Bundesliga restart, Bayern Munich faced Austria’s Salzburg in a friendly on the 6th and cruised to a dominant 5–0 win.
One of the standout performers was Japan international defender Hiroki Ito (26). Back from a fracture suffered late last season, the left-footed defender — determined to prove he’s fully back — made a strong statement in Bayern’s first match of the new year.
Hiroki Ito: Thunderous Volley for a New Year Opener
Starting at left-back, Ito made his moment count just before the break.
The goal:
In the 45th minute, a loose ball dropped near the edge of the penalty arc. Ito didn’t hesitate — one clean swing of his left foot, a first-time volley. It took a slight deflection but still ripped into the net, becoming Bayern’s first goal of 2026.
Fitness update:
Since returning in November, Ito has gradually increased his minutes. He only played the first half here, but looked solid both defensively and going forward — a clear signal to Vincent Kompany that he’s pushing hard for a regular spot in the second half of the season.
Japanese Presence at Salzburg: Kitano Starts, Chase Anrie Makes Long-Awaited Debut
Salzburg also fielded two promising Japanese youngsters.
Sota Kitano (19):
Started the match and worked as an attacking link player. He took on Bayern’s defence with confidence but was subbed off at halftime.
Chase Anrie (21):
Came on in the 85th minute, marking his first appearance for Salzburg after returning from a long-term injury suffered last March. Limited minutes, but good to finally see him back on the pitch.
Japanese Fan Reactions
7: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:12
Can we really say he’s fully back?
If so, left side is Ito + Suzuki locked in then.
12: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:18
During the US tour they were short of defenders and it looked grim,
but everyone’s slowly coming back now.
14: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:19
Now we just need Takai to return.
16: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:21
By the way, why doesn’t Germany play league games over Christmas and New Year?
21: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:39
>>16
Too cold.
26: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:45
>>16
Because they want Christmas off, obviously.
44: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 08:07
>>16
Only one domestic cup and they’re a very “efficient” people.
29: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:50
Don’t underestimate friendlies.
Suzuki Yuido was frozen out until he scored in one and earned a starting spot.
With Davies playing higher up, Ito starting at LB feels nailed on.
37: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:58
More worried about Kitano tbh.
Throwing a studs-up tackle on Ito — who was injured for over a year — in a friendly is madness.
43: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 08:07
Is Goretzka staying at Bayern or what?
68: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 08:47
It’s only a friendly, but having players who can actually get minutes at Bayern is a good thing.
72: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 08:54
Pre-league friendlies are basically auditions for the starting XI.
All three Bundesliga CBs will probably start this week:
Takai (Gladbach),
Ando (St. Pauli),
Ito (Bayern).
79: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 09:15
If his fitness is up and he fits the current national team,
Hiroki’s long shots are a real weapon.
Even misses on target can change momentum.
91: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 09:57
Left-footed, tall CB, good in a high line —
he’s going to be more useful than people expect.
Bayern Munich Fan Reactions
817: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/06 23:48
Ito scored, didn’t he.
Well, kinda — more like forced an own goal, but still.
818: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/06 23:51
Early on he almost got taken out again in a friendly and my heart stopped,
but Ito looks sharp as hell.
Mike’s clearly still raw though.
820: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 00:31
Karl’s quality is the real deal.
823: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 00:47
Scoring is great and I like how high Ito positions himself,
but he pushes up too early and ends up receiving the ball facing his own goal way too often.
That worries me a bit.
824: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 00:50
Ito can totally nail down a starting spot like this.
Feels exactly like the type Kompany loves.
825: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 00:51
Karl is ridiculously good.
A few days ago I could’ve supported him purely,
but now I can’t help watching him with a colder eye.
I wondered if the backlash would affect his play,
but with mental strength like this, unless he gets seriously injured, he’s going places.
Kinda Kroos-type mentality, honestly.
826: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 01:05
**Yeah it’s “just a friendly,” but still —
the first-half XI was pretty underwhelming.
Second-half guys weren’t in full gear either, so mistakes happened,
but overall it was good to see that calm, elite-club strength.
Pablo–Bischof combo debut + Bischof’s first goal was nice,
though there was a bit too much jogging for my taste.
Wonder what Kompany told them.
Also Karl is insane, seriously.
After all that abuse, putting in this performance?
That’s absurd mental toughness lol.**
827: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 01:11
Karl-kun working hard so he can move to his beloved Real Madrid.
831: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 05:00
Wanting to go to Real Madrid is like wanting to join the Yomiuri Giants —
it’s basically a disease.
Only option is to slap a huge price tag on Karl and send him off smiling.
833: Anonymous Fan 2026/01/07 07:25
>>831
That’ll be tough.
They don’t spend big unless it’s a position they actually need.
Only way it happens is if Karl has morals and stays until a certain age,
or Real magically decide to pay a fee for once.
But he literally said “definitely,” so realistically he leaves on a free
when his next contract runs out.
