Bayern trump Barcelona in friendly
Posted Thursday, July 25, 2013 by Foxsports.com
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola got one over on his former club Barcelona by overseeing a 2-0 friendly victory in Munich.
Philipp Lahm opened the scoring in the 14th minute for a strong Bayern side who appear ready and willing to build on their treble-winning 2012-13 season.
Although they had to wait until the 87th minute before Mario Mandzukic added a second, they did enough over the 90 minutes to show they mean business again in 2013-14 with their European rivals well-advised to take note.
With the arrival of new Barca coach Gerardo Martino pending, Jordi Roura took charge following the resignation of Tito Vilanova and he saw Lionel Messi almost give the visitors a flying start inside 30 seconds when the Argentinian raced through before curling just wide.
Bayern soon stamped their authority on the game, though, and Arjen Robben was only prevented from opening the scoring by a fine goal-line clearance from Adriano.
The opening goal would arrive four minutes later when Ribery marauded down the left to send in a cross which was met by captain Lahm's flicked header, leaving Jose Manuel Pinto rooted to the spot.
Bayern continued to dictate affairs with the authority they showed in last season's Champions League semi-final between the two sides, although neither Dante nor Robben were able to add a second goal with good chances.
Sergi Roberto almost grabbed an equaliser when he jinked past Jerome Boateng, only to pull his shot wide, while Rafinha nearly put through his own goal on the stroke of half-time with Manuel Neuer touching the ball on to his post and wide.
Roura completely changed his side for the start of the second half and new goalkeeper Oier Olazabal was soon put to the test by Bayern sub Mandzukic, but he responded with an excellent save down to his left.
The game lost its rhythm thanks to the numerous changes, but Mandzukic still wanted to get his name on the scoresheet.
Diego Contento obliged with a low cross in the 87th minute to allow his team-mate a tap-in from close range that sealed a comfortable win for Bayern.
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