Bayern Munich 6-1 Fenerbahce
Bayern Munich look like they’re ready to begin the new Bundesliga season. The reigning German champions recorded their biggest win of the pre-season thus far as they thrashed Fenerbahce, 6-1, in their Audi Cup semi-final.
Bayern have now won three games on the bounce after losing their opening International Champions Cup match against Arsenal. They defeated Real Madrid 3-1 and also edged out Milan 1-0 despite the absence of Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry.
Thomas Muller, who came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Gnabry, scored a hat-trick to lead the Bavarians to the convincing win.
SBOBET expect Bayern to be firm favourites once again for the upcoming Bundesliga season, and based on this performance, they are looking good for an eighth consecutive championship.
Highlights of the game
The Audi Cup 2019 odds were overwhelmingly in Bayern’s favour, and after they set their starting XI, it was clear that they meant business in this match. They fielded a strong lineup, with Renato Sanches the only one who wasn’t a clear first-choice selection.
However, it was Fenerbahce who had the first real sight on goal after just five minutes. New recruit Max Kruse tried his luck with a left-footed strike from a tight angle, but it did not trouble Manuel Neuer in the Bayern goal.
Bayern finally had their first shot on target on 16 minutes through Kingsley Coman. The French winger slithered his way into the penalty box, but his tame attempt was comfortably saved by Fenerbahce’s Harun Tekin.
Bayern were then forced to make an early change as Muller came on for the injured Gnabry. And just minutes later, Muller was involved in Bayern’s opening goal.
Muller found Thiago Alcantara, who supplied a great ball to Lewandowski. The Polish striker unselfishly squared the ball to Renato Sanches, who simply tapped the ball into the net.
Bayern would make it two just six minutes later. After some terrific work on the left-wing, Coman pulled the ball back to Leon Goretzka, who expertly slotted the ball into the corner.
Bayern basically finished off Fenerbahce just after the half-hour mark through Muller. After Fenerbahce’s Nabil Dirar cut out David Alaba’s cross, the Bayern forward sneakily dispossessed the full-back and fired past the shocked Tekin.
Fenerbahce were guilty of more flimsy defending for Bayern’s fourth. An attempt to cut off a Bayern pass sent Coman clean through on goal, and the Frenchman made no mistake with his fine finish.
The Turks nearly pulled a goal back just before half-time, but new signing Vedat Muriqi just missed the bottom corner with his shot.
Instead, Bayern added a fifth minutes later. They were awarded a penalty after Lewandowski was brought down by Mauricio Isla, who also picked up a yellow card for his troubles. Muller stepped up to take responsibility, and he converted despite Tekin guessing the right way.
Muller would go on to complete his hat-trick just before the hour mark. After Niklas Sule’s long ball sent Muller through on goal, the Bayern striker controlled beautifully with his heel before supplying a simple finish into an open goal as Tekin charged way out of his line.
But Fenerbache did pick up a consolation goal for their troubles. Leon Goretzka cheaply gave the ball away in midfield to Max Kruse, who produced a terrific run and finish to open his Fenerbahce account. If that ends up being the Turks’ only entry in the Audi Cup 2019 highlight reel, it’ll still be right up there among the best.
Key statistics
The 6-1 scoreline wasn’t the only indication of Bayern’s utter dominance. They also had 58 per cent possession and had nine shots on target compared to Fenerbahce’s one, which was their goal.
Muller had a strong game with four shots, three on target. Bayern will hope he can keep up that goalscoring form heading into the season. The German’s goals have dried up in recent years, scoring just 19 times in the league over the last three seasons.
What’s next?
Bayern will now move on to tomorrow’s Audi Cup final, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs went through after defeating Real Madrid 1-0 thanks to a Harry Kane goal in the other semi-final. Then, Bayern will be off to prepare for the DFL-Supercup against Borussia Dortmund on the weekend.
As for Fenerbahce, they will look to avoid another humiliating defeat in the third-place match against a struggling Real Madrid side.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
