For many years, Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski played together for FC Bayern, chasing goals. Now, the two former Munich players faced off as opponents in the MLS for the first time—with Lewandowski coming out on top.
In the rescheduled match of the North American professional league, the Chicago Fire defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1. Müller came on as a substitute for the visitors at halftime, while Lewandowski entered the game for Chicago during the final quarter-hour.
While Müller failed to directly contribute to a goal, Lewandowski made his mark shortly before the end. The former Bayern striker set up the decisive goal to make it 3–1.
Lewandowski Sets Up the Decisive Goal Against Müller
Chicago got off to the better start. As early as the ninth minute, Jonathan Bamba put the hosts ahead 1–0. Philip Zinckernagel could have extended the lead before halftime, but he missed a penalty kick in the 27th minute.
Shortly after the break, the Dane made up for it and scored the 2–0 goal in the 50th minute. By that point, Müller was already on the field. The 2014 World Cup champion had been substituted in at halftime and was tasked with bringing Vancouver back into the game.
In fact, the Whitecaps managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute through Mathías Laborda. Shortly afterward, Lewandowski also entered the game—and the Pole ultimately played a decisive role in preventing Vancouver from equalizing.
In the 88th minute, the 38-year-old set up Maren Haile-Selassie for the 3-1 goal, effectively sealing the victory.
It was a special reunion for the longtime Bayern teammates. Müller and Lewandowski played together in Munich for eight years and celebrated numerous titles during that time. In 2022, their paths diverged when Lewandowski moved to FC Barcelona. Both are now continuing their careers in the MLS.
Müller remains at the top of the standings with Vancouver
Despite the loss, Müller’s team remains in a comfortable position. The Whitecaps continue to lead the Western Conference with 50 points from 27 games.
With seven matchdays remaining in the regular season, their lead over St. Louis City stands at three points. Vancouver thus remains firmly on track for the playoffs.
Chicago, too, has reason to be satisfied with its season so far. Lewandowski’s team sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 45 points and also has an excellent chance of making the playoffs.
The first direct MLS matchup between the two former Bayern stars thus went to Lewandowski. Müller, however, can take comfort in his team’s position at the top of the standings—and there may yet be another rematch between the two Munich club legends as the season progresses.