Atalanta’s first defeat of the Serie A season on Saturday afternoon — a lacklustre loss to Udinese — had implications beyond Italy. A few hours later in Germany, Bayern Munich dispatched Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 with trademark efficiency, a result that crowned the Bavarians as the only unbeaten team across Europe’s top five leagues.

Bayern’s record speaks for itself: nine wins in nine Bundesliga fixtures, just four goals conceded, and a level of control and consistency that has returned under Vincent Kompany.

For years, critics have dismissed the Bundesliga as a one-team league, but recent seasons disproved that notion. Bayern were pushed to the wire by Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, even losing the title to Xabi Alonso’s side in 2023-24 after a dramatic final-day collapse the previous year. The club’s post-Flick era was marked by turbulence — the managerial office more of a revolving door than a long-term project.

That changed this month when Kompany extended his contract until 2029, making him the first Bayern coach since Louis van Gaal in 2010 to earn an early extension. A statement of trust, and a sign that Bayern finally see stability returning.

Kompany’s appointment raised eyebrows given his modest managerial résumé, but he has brought clarity, balance, and calm to a squad that had begun to look fractured. His team defends with discipline, attacks with aggression, and crucially — performs with belief. Even Bayern’s 3-0 win over title rivals Leverkusen came with key starters rested, showcasing squad depth and tactical structure rather than reliance on individual brilliance.

Domestic success is expected in Munich — demanded, even. Yet what truly drives ambition in Bavaria is Europe. Bayern’s absence from a Champions League final since 2020 has weighed heavily on fans and hierarchy alike. Under Kompany, there is growing confidence that the club can return to Europe’s biggest stage in the near future.

For now, Bayern stand alone atop Europe — unbeaten, confident, and seemingly back in full stride. The question is no longer whether Kompany was the right choice; it’s how far this Bayern side can go under him.