Robert Lewandowski's late strike earned FC Bayern a third Audi Cup title on Wednesday - © © gettyimages
Robert Lewandowski's late strike earned FC Bayern a third Audi Cup title on Wednesday - © © gettyimages

Lewandowski goal seals Audi Cup glory for Bayern

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Munich - FC Bayern München beat Real Madrid CF 1-0 to win the Audi Cup friendly tournament for a third time on Wednesday night.

Götze denied

Once again, the difference for Bayern was made by new signing Douglas Costa, who delivered another virtuoso display, culminating in the assist for Lewandowski’s winner two minutes from time.

Following Tuesday’s 3-0 procession against AC Milan, Pep Guardiola restored some familiar names to his starting line-up, with Manuel Neuer, Medhi Benatia, Xabi Alonso, David Alaba and Thomas Müller all beginning the game. The Spaniards provided stiffer opposition than Milan, with the result that the game was an even contest in the opening period.

Former Bayern favourite Toni Kroos flashed a shot wide for the visitors, while Costa’s drive was deflected clear and a shot from Müller trickled just off target. Guardiola’s men should have had the lead just before the break, however, as Costa expertly turned his man and crossed for Mario Götze, only for the Germany international’s shot to be parried clear by Real keeper Keylor Navas.

Lewandowski on the spot

After the break, Kroos forced two good saves from Neuer, but the Bundesliga champions missed the best chance of the game when Lewandowski somehow side-footed wide after a burst of pace and a fizzing centre from Costa. Real’s defence simply could not get close to the Brazilian, and almost inevitably he was involved in the goal, winning a free-kick and then delivering a perfect centre for Lewandowski to touch home from close range with 88 minutes on the clock.

There might have been time for a second had Navas not been alert to parry clear Costa’s driven cross, but one was enough against a side whose level had dropped considerably following Kroos’ withdrawal. Costa and Co. can now turn their attentions to Sunday’s trip to fifth-tier FC Nöttingen in the first round of the DFB Cup, before the Bundesliga restart at home to Hamburger SV a week on Friday.