Badstuber returns as FCB fall in shootout

FC Bayern fell to a narrow defeat in the first match on their tour of the USA. Germany’s record champions lost the Audi Football Summit at Soldier Field in Chicago against AC Milan 5-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in normal time. Franck Ribéry (29) and David Alaba (38) had earlier turned the game on its head following M'Baye Niang’s 23rd minute opener for the Italians. Milan struck after half-time through Andrea Bertolacci (49) and Juraj Kucka (61), and although Ribéry salvaged a normal time draw with a penalty equalizer in the last minute, the men from Milan prevailed in the shootout.

From an FC Bayern point of view the best news of all came before kick-off, as Holger Badstuber took the field in the starting line-up for the first time in 171 days. The FCB youth product, who was sidelined for almost six months with the latest in a long line of injuries, was as committed as ever and fashioned a good headed chance, although his lack of match practice was obvious when his failure to control the ball allowed Niang to open the scoring. As announced the previous day, Carlo Ancelotti withdrew the centre-back after half an hour.

Alaba & Ribéry on form

Badstuber was still on the field for his side’s equaliser, a product of excellent play down the Bavarians’ left flank as David Alaba centred for Ribéry to fire into the left corner of the net. Austria star Alaba then took a turn himself on 38 minutes with a 25-yard piledriver to make it 2-1 to the Reds at the break.

Bertolacci levelled it up four minutes into the second period, but Bayern remained in control and Xabi Alonso came close to restoring the lead with a delicate curler after 57 minutes. However, it was the Italians who moved 3-2 ahead when Kucka scored after 61 minutes, the Milan player's shot taking a wicked deflection past keeper Sven Ulreich off Nico Feldhahn, who had earlier replaced Badstuber.

The Bayern fans were forced to wait until the 90th minute before Vergara fouled Juan Bernat in the area and Ribéry tucked away the ensuing spot-kick. In the penalty shootout, Rafinha was the only taker to miss as the north Italians sealed a narrow success.