Energetic and committed Bayern showed patches of excellent pre-season form in shading out Dortmund to win Sunday evening’s DFL Supercup, the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season, but the psychological dimension may be the most significant aspect to the result, as Jupp Heynckes’ men finally ended a run of five straight defeats to the champions of the last two seasons.
The 69,000 full house at the Allianz Arena saw FCB race into a two-goal lead via summer signing Mario Mandzukic and Thomas Müller, before the home side easily saw the game through to the break while denying the visitors a single shot on Manuel Neuer’s goal.
Dortmund were a different prospect after the restart, but the unfamiliar Munich defence held firm until Robert Lewandowski pulled one back 15 minutes from time. The Bavarians survived a couple of scares in the closing stages but ultimately held on to claim the Supercup for the fourth time, moving ahead in the roll of honour of three-time winners Borussia.
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