September 25 (CBSSports) – Bayern Munich added the UEFA Super Cup title to their already jam-packed trophy case on Thursday in Budapest with a closer-than-expected 2-1 victory over Sevilla. In a match that featured the Champions League winners against the Europa League winners, it was the Bavarians who came from behind to win it in extra time.
After Lucas Ocampos’ opening goal in the 13th minute from a penalty kick, Bayern began to dominate possession and shots, though they weren’t as convincing in front of goal as they were in Friday’s 8-0 win over Schalke. It was Leon Goretzka’s equalizer in the 34th minute that forced extra time as Javi Martinez headed home the winner in the 104th minute.
The victory for Bayern was their 23rd straight, stretching the club’s unbeaten streak to 28 games.
Here are three takeaways from the match:
1. Sevilla were fortunate to keep it close
Look, this wasn’t the Bayern that dominated Barcelona 8-2 in August and then conquered Europe, but it wasn’t an off day either. If this was an off day that ends in a trophy, I’d hate to see what an average day looks like. Hansi Flick’s team had 25 shots in this game, 19 more than Sevilla. They weren’t super sharp in front of goal, and yeah, they could have lost considering Sevilla hit the post and Manuel Neuer had to make a huge save late. But this is still a dominant Bayern team filled with creativity. We’ve become used to them dominating. Heck, they’ve scored eight goals in two of their last five games. But in no way was this a below-average performance, Bayern have just set the bar higher than anybody ever has in recent history.
2. Neuer has returned to top form
Pick Javi Martinez as the hero if you want, but I’ll stick with Neuer. This late save on Youssef En-Nesyri is absolutely bonkers. It’s harder to save it low than high, and he just read his mind and saved the game. A goal there, and the trophy is probably Sevilla’s.
3. When will Bayern lose?
Bayern will probably be favored in every single match they play, so when might they see defeat for the first time since January? Well, it may happen in the next month and half, pending their group in the UEFA Champions League — and it could happen as early as this Wednesday, realistically. While Bayern face a quality Hoffenheim side on Sunday, they have the German Super Cup next Wednesday against bitter rival Borussia Dortmund. Those two played a tight game towards the end of last season with Bayern winning, and they also meet again on Nov. 7. This streak of Bayern could very well carry on for months, but Dortmund will get two cracks at in games that are must-see-TV.
Bayern Munich 2, Sevilla 1 — FINAL (A.E.T.)
⚽ Sevilla: Lucas Ocampos (17′)
⚽ Bayern: Leon Goretzka (34′)
⚽ Bayern: Javi Martinez (104′)
