MUNICH — Astonishing scorelines such as 15–0, 27–0, and 23–0 may look like typos or video game results, but they are genuine entries in German football history. Each summer, German giants Bayern Munich regularly face FC Rottach-Egern, a modest ninth-tier amateur club, in a pre-season friendly that has transformed into a cherished local tradition.
The latest clash occurred on 30 July at the Birkenmoos Stadium in Bavaria, where Bayern dispatched their amateur hosts 15–0. This follows previous remarkable victories of 27–0 and 23–0 against the same team. While such heavily one-sided scorelines often lead observers to wonder why the game takes place every year, the origin of this fixture traces back nearly 40 years.
Bayern Munich first set up their summer training camp in the scenic municipality of Rottach-Egern in 1986. Staying at a local hotel and training in the area soon became a staple of the club’s pre-season preparations. Aside from a brief interruption during Jürgen Klinsmann’s period as manager, subsequent coaching staff brought back the retreat as a regular feature on the schedule.
Located roughly an hour from Munich, the Tegernsee Valley offers an ideal alpine climate and quality facilities for pre-season fitness work. The region’s appeal has drawn other prominent European teams over the years, including Swiss side FC Basel, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Liverpool during Jürgen Klopp’s tenure.
Playing an exhibition match against local side FC Rottach-Egern became an integral part of Bayern’s stay. Rather than a competitive fixture, the event serves as a festival for the local community. Despite the heavy scorelines, Rottach-Egern’s players treat the chance to share the pitch with world-class professionals as a memorable experience.
This lighthearted atmosphere was clear during the recent game when the amateur club’s treasurer, Lukas Peetzold, made a late appearance on the pitch. Beyond the large goal tallies, the yearly match remains a celebrated highlight of local football culture and community spirit in Bavaria.
