On-song Reds down Real

FC Bayern beat Real Madrid 3-1 on Saturday evening. Corentin Tolisso opened the scoring early in the first half, Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry twisting the knife after the hour mark. Sven Ulreich was sent off for a challenge against Vinicius with ten minutes to go, Rodrygo scoring a consolation goal for Real from the ensuing free-kick.

The German record champions started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Joshua Kimmich, Jérôme Boateng, Javi Martínez and David Alaba in a back four. Thiago filled the holding role behind Jann-Fiete Arp, Corentin Tolisso, Renato Sanches and Kingsley Coman, with Thomas Müller up front.

Corentin opens

The 60,413 crowd at Houston's NRG Stadium saw a high-octane encounter with chances at either end. An early Sanches shot gave note of Bayern's intent, but the Portuguese aimed too high from 25 yards. Bayern soon had to thank Neuer for keeping the scores level when he denied Karim Benzema. Tolisso drew a fine save from Real netminder Thibaut Courtois and pounced on the rebound to open the scoring after 15 minutes. Neuer proved equal to a Benzema effort before Courtois denied Thiago.

Real enjoyed a spell in command now, Benzema seeing his header saved before Neuer was able to collect a deflected Marco Asensio effort. Neuer denied an effort by Eden Hazard before Arp hit the post from a tight angle at the other end, and match official Ramy Touchan blew for half-time after Benzema missed another chance.

Lewy and Serge close it out

Both coaches shuffled their decks at half-time. The match entered a scrappy phase after the restart, Bayern slowly but surely asserting their authority. Madrid keeper Keylor Navas denied Tolisso before Süle's pinpoint pass invited Lewandowski to double Bayern's lead. The German record champions put the game to bed when Gnabry slotted home following a Goretzka cross. Sarpreet Singh miscued an effort before Ulreich was sent off for a challenge against the onrushing Vinicius, Rodrygo scoring what proved to be a consolation goal for Real, and Touchan blew for full-time.

The Bavarians will be back in action in just three days, when they take on AC Milan.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen