Season story
Before FC Bayern Munich became a global brand, Munich was a city with two big clubs. In the 1965/66 season, TSV 1860 Munich won the Bundesliga, becoming the first Munich champions of the Bundesliga era. For the "Lions" it was the last major title — and to this day the proudest moment in their history.
The team around players like Friedhelm Konietzka, Hans Rebele and Alfred Heiß was technically gifted and played attractive combination football. Coach Max Merkel, "the Manager," relied on discipline and clear tactical structures. 1860 were no accidental champions this season; they dominated the league over long stretches.
They also won the derby against FC Bayern that season — a result that would not repeat itself in the following decades. The championship remained the high point, followed by relegations, financial problems and a long existence in the shadow of the big neighbor. For 34-0-0, this team is therefore more than just an opponent: it is a piece of contemporary history.
The 1966 title remained 1860's only national trophy. In the decades that followed the club drifted between the first and second division, narrowly missed promotion in 1999 and, after the 2004 insolvency, fought for sheer survival. To this day the star in the club crest stands for that one magical season, and the Lions' fans keep telling the stories of Merkel, Konietzka and Heiß as if they happened yesterday. Whoever faces them meets a piece of Munich football history that refuses to be forgotten. To this day the class of 1966 is regarded as the finest side 1860 have ever produced — a benchmark every subsequent Lions generation has had to measure up against. In the game, taking possession away from them takes away exactly what their pride rests on: control of the match.
In 34-0-0, 1860 Munich 1965/66 are a mid-table possession team (Strength 78). Technically sound but not overly fast. If you win the ball and counter, you have a good chance.
Tactical DNA
Style: Possession · Strength: 78 · Mid-table
Counter in the game: Gegenpressing. They want the ball — press them early and high.
Key players & ratings
| Player | Pos | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Petar Radenković (Radi, the fan favourite) | GK | 85 |
| Timo Konietzka | ST | 84 |
| Rudolf Brunnenmeier (The Lions' Bomber) | ST | 83 |
| Peter Grosser (Captain of the 1966 champions) | CM | 82 |
| Željko Perušić | CDM | 80 |
| Bernd Patzke | LB | 79 |
Best XI
| Pos | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Petar Radenković | 85 |
| LB | Bernd Patzke | 79 |
| CB | Manfred Wagner | 79 |
| CB | Hans Reich | 76 |
| RB | Rudolf Steiner | 77 |
| CDM | Željko Perušić | 80 |
| CM | Peter Grosser | 82 |
| CM | Hans Küppers | 77 |
| LW | Timo Konietzka | 84 |
| ST | Rudolf Brunnenmeier | 83 |
| RW | Alfred Heiß | 78 |
Beating this team in 34-0-0
1860 Munich 1965/66 play possession — your counter is Gegenpressing. At Strength 78 and Defense 76 they are a solid but not outstanding side. Press high to disrupt their buildup and exploit their relative slowness in transition. Away from home you can control the tempo; at home an early goal is worthwhile to destabilize their philosophy.
FAQ
Did 1860 really win the title before Bayern?
Who were the key players?
How do I beat 1860 65/66 in the game?
More teams
Last updated: 2026-08-03