Franz Beckenbauer Supercup: Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 to win the season-opening Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on Saturday.
With Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry sidelined, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany deployed new signing Nathaniel Brown, normally a defender, in an unfamiliar No. 10 role, and the 23-year-old repaid his coach's faith by opening the scoring in the 28th minute, reported Xinhua.
Joshua Kimmich sent a long ball towards Michael Olise, who held off the Dortmund defense on the edge of the area before laying the ball off for Brown. The Germany international made no mistake, guiding a composed finish past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel for his first competitive goal for Bayern.
The visitors doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time after Jobe Bellingham lost possession in his own half. Olise collected the loose ball, surged into the penalty area and calmly slotted into the bottom-left corner beyond Kobel.
Dortmund made a series of attacking substitutions after the break and was rewarded in the 75th minute when substitute Fabio Silva pulled one back.
The closing stages became increasingly open as both sides launched quick counterattacks. Maximilian Beier had a fine opportunity to equalize but fired over from a promising position, and Bayern held on to secure the victory.
The victory gave Bayern a record-extending 12th Supercup title, while Dortmund has won the competition six times.
The closing stages became increasingly open as both sides launched quick counterattacks. Maximilian Beier had a fine opportunity to equalize but fired over from a promising position, and Bayern held on to secure the victory.
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Speaking after the match, Neuer said he wants to enjoy the season but dropped a not-so-subtle hint about his future. "Now it's time to enjoy this season with the team, and then we'll see," Neuer said. "But yes, it's possible it will be the last."