Off-colour Reds fall to Nürnberg in friendly

FC Bayern slipped to an embarrassing 5-2 defeat to FC Nürnberg in Saturday's friendly. Michael Frey put the home side ahead after 20 minutes, Alphonso Davies levelling the scores before half-time. Bayern coach Hansi Flick completely shuffled his side at half-time, and Nürnberg's Mikael Ishak, Adam Zrelák, Fabian Schleusener and Robin Hack found the net before Malik Tillman scored a consolation goal for Bayern.

The Bavarians started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Jérôme Boateng, David Alaba and Alphonso Davies in a back four. Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Corentin Tolissso featured in midfield, with Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Perišić and Thomas Müller up front. Several youngsters represented the next batch of Bavarian blood in the second half.

Davies levels

After match official Asmir Osmanagic whistled play underway, Bayern were dominant in an entertaining contest at first, Pavard, Müller and Coutinho missing chances. Nürnberg's Georg Margreitter miscued a header at the other end, but Frey handed his side the lead, beating Neuer from 18 yards. Alphonso Davies levelled the scores following classy interplay, exchanging a one-two with Goretzka and another with Müller before slotting home.

Clinical Nürnberg punish Bayern

Ishak netted immediately after half-time before Zrelák and Schleusener extended Nürnberg's lead as the young Bayern side lacked composure on the ball. Michaël Cuisance missed a penalty before Hack netted FCN's fifth goal despite an offside position. Tillman pulled one back before Joshua Zirkzee saw an effort saved, and Osmanagic blew for full-time.

The Bavarians will be back in action next Sunday, when they travel to face Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga reopener.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen