Bayern Munich complete quadruple with Super Cup win in front of 15,000 fans

APD NEWS

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Bayern Munich beat Sevilla 2-1 after extra time on Thursday to lift the UEFA Super Cup and complete a quadruple under coach Hansi Flick, in the first European game played with fans in the stands since the sport returned amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Substitute Javi Martinez headed in the winner in the 104th minute after Europa League winners Sevilla had taken a 13th-minute lead through Lucas Ocampos’s penalty and Bayern leveled through Leon Goretzka in the 34th.

The Bavarians, unbeaten now in 32 consecutive matches, also won the domestic league and Cup double as well as the Champions League after Flick took over last November. Their last defeat dates back to December, 2019.

Bayern were the better side throughout and missed a bagful of chances through Robert Lewandowski, Benjamin Pavard and Thomas Mueller in the first half,

Yet it was Bayern keeper Neuer who kept them in the game first with a one-on-one save against Youssef En-Nesyri to send the game to extra time and then pushing another shot from the Sevilla player onto the post two minutes into extra time.

Javi Martinez is the hero for Bayern Munich. His header extends his team's winning streak to 23 games, Budapest, Hungary, September 24, 2020. /VCG

Martinez, who is reportedly close to agreeing to a return to Athletic Bilbao this season, had come on five minutes earlier and benefited from being given too much space to head in on the rebound.

The Spaniard also scored in extra time in Bayern's only previous Super Cup win in 2013.

"Whenever I wear the Bayern shirt, I always try to give my best and I showed that once again today," Martinez told Sky. "I always want to help the team by scoring a goal. It's a dream come true. I'm really happy to win this trophy for a second time after also scoring in 2013."

Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic said Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made the difference with two superb late saves to deny Youssef En-Nesyri.

"We saw tonight how important Neuer is for them," said Rakitic. "We had two great chances to go ahead, but he stopped them. Then we gave away a silly corner and they scored. Nevertheless, we can be proud of how we played against the best team in Europe."

Sevilla players walks off dejected with their runners up medals after the UEFA Super Cup at Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary, September 24, 2020. /VCG

Champions League winners Bayern fell behind for the first time this season on 14 minutes when the VAR judged David Alaba had fouled Rakitic in the area and Ocampos converted Sevilla's penalty.

Alaba was booked for the challenge and there were nervous glances in the Germans' ranks, especially when defender Benjamin Pavard and Thomas Mueller both missed chances.

Goretzka got Bayern back on level terms when Mueller and Robert Lewandowski combined in the area for the midfielder to smash home the equalizer with 34 minutes gone.

It stayed 1-1 at the break, but Bayern turned up the heat on the Europa League holders.

Just six minutes after the break, Lewandowski had the ball in the net after being set up by Thomas Mueller, but the VAR spotted the Poland striker was offside.

With an hour gone, Bayern winger Leroy Sane was left frustrated after his shot powered past Sevilla's Moroccan goalkeeper Bono, but the VAR spotted Lewandowski had fouled a Sevilla defender in the build up.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer holds the trophy as he makes the difference with two superb late saves at Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary, September 24, 2020. /VCG

With 90 minutes almost up, Manuel Neuer underlined his status as one of the world's best goalkeepers with a finger-tip save to deny En-Nesyri after Sevilla attacked from the edge of their own penalty area.

Sevilla made a great start to extra-time with Bayern in all sorts of trouble, as Ocampos had a shot blocked while En-Nesyri's shot clipped the post after crashing off Neuer's leg.

However, the scene was set for Martinez, a veteran of the side which won the 2013 Champions League final in London, to add to his chapter in Bayern's folklore.

"I was so happy when the coach brought Javi on, because I know how good he is with his head from set pieces," said Bayern captain Neuer.

"Sevilla are a well-drilled team, it's not easy to play against them, but overall we deserved the win and can be proud of ourselves."

(CGTN)