The new season has started in the best possible way for Bayern Munich as they lifted silverware on Saturday by clinching a 2-1 win against VfB Stuttgart in the DFL Supercup. Goals from Harry Kane and debutant Luis Diaz ensured Die Roten started the campaign on a winning note.
Vincent Kompany went with the strongest starting lineup for the clash against Stuttgart. The full-back pairing of Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic ensured Bayern prioritised solidity at the back. Meanwhile, Diaz got his competitive debut on the left flank. Michael Olise played in a central role behind Harry Kane, while Serge Gnabry slotted on the right flank.
Considering it is the start of the season, both sides were cautious in the early stages of the game. Leon Goretzka had a terrific chance in the fifth minute to put Die Roten ahead when Joshua Kimmich found him with a beautiful, weighted lofted pass. Goretzka collected the pass well, but his ferocious shot hit the side netting.
Bayern continued to grow in the game and managed to pin down Stuttgart in their half. Serge Gnabry had his shot inches away from goal after another great piece of link-up between Goretzka and Kimmich. Goretzka squared the ball to Gnabry, but the German forward couldn’t keep the shot on target.
The defending champions eventually found the breakthrough in the 18th minute through Harry Kane. Michael Olise tried to find Kane with a crisp through ball, but Stuttgart intercepted the pass and couldn’t control it. Kane pounced on the second ball at the edge of the box and drilled it past the goalkeeper. It was a terrific shot from Kane as the goalkeeper had no chance to save it.
Stuttgart responded well after going behind as Manuel Neuer had to come up with two terrific saves to keep Bayern’s lead intact. Both teams were going toe to toe after Kane’s opening goal, which saw a couple of players getting booked.
Michael Olise had the chance of doubling Die Roten’s lead before the half-time whistle when Gnabry delivered a cross from the right flank to find the run of Olise. The French forward was in a terrific position, but couldn’t keep his header on target.
Luis Diaz starts his Bayern career on a perfect note
The second half had a quiet start as both teams struggled to impose themselves after the break. Harry Kane had the first big chance of the second half just after the hour mark. Olise played a lovely through ball to find Kane on the left side of the box. The English striker’s thunderous shot was saved by Fabian Bredlow.
Bayern target Nick Woltemade came close to scoring in the 73rd minute as his header was just above the target. Neuer had to make another terrific save in the 75th minute to keep Die Roten ahead. He had to show great reflex to save a wicked deflected shot from Jamie Leweling.
The defending Bundesliga champions eventually got a second goal through debutant Luis Diaz. After a slick passage of play in midfield, the ball reached Serge Gnabry. The German forward delivered an inviting cross in the box, which was headed emphatically from close range by Diaz. The Colombian forward was lively on the left flank throughout the game. He eventually had a reward to show for a strong performance on his debut.
Stuttgart got a consolation goal through Leweling in the dying minutes of the game. Neuer deserved a clean sheet for his heroic saves. There are areas to improve for Bayern, but Vincent Kompany will be pleased with the way his team performed in Stuttgart on Saturday to pick up the first silverware of the season.