Off-colour Reds fall to ruthless Juventus

FC Bayern fell 2-0 to Juventus on Wednesday evening. The Bavarians dominated proceedings for long spells but failed to take their chances, whereas Juventus striker Andrea Favilli initially capitalised on a mix-up in Bayern's rearguard, and then doubled the lead on the break before half-time.

The German record champions started with Sven Ulreich in goal and Ryan Johansson, Josip Stanisic, Javi Martínez and Juan Bernat in a back four. Meritan Shabani and Paul Will featured in a twin holding role behind Serge Gnabry, Marcel Zylla and Franck Ribéry, with Sandro Wagner acting as lone striker.

Bogeyman Favilli

The 32,105 crowd at Lincoln Memorial Field saw Bayern go straight onto the front foot, Ribéry and Zylla seeing early efforts saved by Juventus netminder Mattia Perin. Sven Ulreich proved equal to Miralem Pjanic and Alex Sandro, Gnabry warming Perin's gloves.

I Bianconeri took the lead against the run of play when Ulreich kept the ball in play following a stray pass, Claudio Marchisio inviting Favilli to mop up from ten yards. The day took another turn for the worse when Favilli beat Bayern's rearguard to a through-ball, slotting past Ulreich and doubling the lead shortly before the interval.

No reward

Niko Kovac comprehensively shuffled his deck after half-time. The German record champions were better organised at the back now and created numerous chances. Arjen Robben and Kwasi Okyere Wriedt missed before David Alaba and Jeong Woo-Yeong saw their efforts saved.

Ulreich saved a shot by Juventus' Grigoris Kastanos, whereas Bayern upped the pace in the closing stages. Rentato Sanches miscued from 20 yards before Alaba glanced his header wide. Kingsley Coman skied two efforts but a goal refused to come, and match official Chris Penso blew for full-time.

The Bavarians will be back in action in just three days, when they take on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in Miami.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen