What the match is
A trophy, and a first look at both squads
The Supercup is competitive — it is a trophy German clubs count — but it is also the first sighting of both squads after the transfer window has done its work. New signings tend to debut here, and the champions' first eleven usually plays most of the match, which makes it a better watch than a typical pre-season friendly.
Bayern Munich's long era of domestic dominance has made them the most frequent participant, so the fixture is often the season's first Bayern away day. When two other clubs qualify, the novelty alone tends to sell the ground out.