Bayern Secure Their Second Preseason “Title”

Posted: 1:11 am, July 25, 2013 by Jonathan Harding

Another game, another piece of silverware for Bayern. The season hasn't even started yet... Photo: DPA

FC Bayern Munich 2-0 FC Barcelona
Goals: 1-0 Lahm (14’), 2-0 Mandzukic (87’)

In a more relaxed fixture than their last meeting, Bayern once again defeated an under-strength Barcelona in the Allianz Arena. With goals, the stars in action and, most importantly, the proceeds going to charity, the Uli Hoeness Cup proved a success.

Opting to match the opposition with a 4-3-3 formation (Philipp Lahm on the right side of that midfield three), Pep Guardiola enjoyed a relaxed first game in charge against his former side.

The game started in end-to-end fashion and with both of Bayern’s central defenders looking short of concentration, Lionel Messi nearly took advantage as early as the opening minute.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: A man back in action.
Photo: DPA

Franck Ribery laid on a golden chance for Arjen Robben but his effort was cleared off the line. Bayern’s pressing was eventually rewarded though, as captain Lahm scored what is believed to be his first ever header after a ball in from Ribery.

Soon enough Barcelona came forward but only briefly. Sergio Roberto poked his effort wide in the box after good pressure from Manuel Neuer, but Bayern remained in control. Cristian Tello curled an effort just wide before the break, before both sides made a raft of changes.

With the substitutions making the game more stop than start, the play stuck to the midfield and the life was taken out of the contest. Nevertheless, while the Mexican waves were rolling around the stadium, Diego Contento drilled a late, low cross for Mario Mandzukic to tap in the second and final goal of the evening.

FC Bayern München: Neuer (53’ Starke) – Rafinha (74’ Can), Dante (59’ van Buyten), Boateng (68’ Kirchhoff), Alaba – Thiago (48’ Pizarro), Kroos (68’ Schweinsteiger), Lahm (60’ Luiz Gustavo) - Robben (53’ Shaqiri), Mueller (53’ Mandzukic), Ribery (67’ Contento)

FC Barcelona: Pinto – (46’ Oier Olazabal) – Montoya (46’ Sergi Gomez), Bartra (46’ Sergi Samper), Mascherano (46’ Ilie), Adriano (46’ Patric) – Song (51’ Roman) – J. dos Santos (51’ Espinosa), Sergi Roberto (52’ Planas) – Sanchez (46’ Quintilla), Tello (52’ Dani Nieto) – Messi (51’ Kiko Femenia)

Yellow cards: Mascherano, Bartra
Attendance: 71,137
Referee: Dr. Felix Brych

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