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Bayern Munich faced AC Milan at the Children's Mercy Park in their third game of the International Champions Cup. The Bundesliga side had endured a mixed start to their preseason, losing their first game 2-1 to Arsenal, before destroying Real Madrid 3-1 in the following match. AC Milan, on the other hand, will begin their International Champions Cup with this game, which brings together two clubs who endured contrasting fortunes last season.
Even though Die Roten won the Bundesliga as well as the DFB-Pokal last season, they were hardly convincing. Bayern's weaknesses were exposed in the Champions League, where they were defeated in the round of 16 by eventual Champions Liverpool. However, AC Milan fared even worse, as they secured Europa League football, only to be exempted from the tournament due to breach of FFP rules. This game, as such, held different significance to both sides. For Nico Kovac, though, it was a chance to build on a fine performance against Real Madrid.
The Bayern Manager went for an attack minded team against Milan, opting for Neuer in goal, with Kimmich, Sule, Pavard and Davies making up the back four. Goretzka and Renato Sanches started alongside Tolisso in midfield, while in attack, Muller was partnered by Arp, who replaced Lewandowski just before the start of the game, and Coman.
Bayern started the game stronger, but Milan did knock on the door a couple of times early in the half. The Bundesliga Champions then took the lead in the third minute of first half injury time and the game went into the break with the score at 1-0.
In the second half, Kovac made quite a few changes, and Bayern did have a few more chances, however, the game ended with a 1-0 win for the German giants. Here are 5 players who impressed in the game for Bayern Munich.
#5 Benjamin Pavard
Bayern's new signing started in a center back role and looked assured all night. Even though Bayern controlled proceedings at the beginning of the game, Milan did have the odd chances every now and then. And with the dangerous Piatek leading the line, there was an inherent threat in their attack. However, Pavard ensured that the Polish striker had a quiet game, denying him any room to maneouvre a clear shot on goal.
The Frenchman was stellar at the back for his team and had an impressive outing for Bayern.
#4 Alphonso Davies
The Canadian teenager has shown promise both as a left winger and as a left back and Kovac selected him in the later role against Milan. The 18 year old had a terrific outing and even though he does still have a few raw edges, there's no doubt that Bayern has a fantastic talent in their ranks.
Davies provided plenty of width down the left hand side and needed no invitation to run forward. He looked exactly like a winger on left back duty, flourishing in advanced positions and getting caught out at the back. However, every time it looked like Milan would take advantage, Davies used his exceptional speed to get back to position.
The youngster also combined expertly with Coman on the left side and was tireless in his forward runs. While he is not the finished product yet, Davies showed against Milan that he has all the qualities to excel at Bayern.
#3 Kingsley Coman
The Frenchman was Bayern biggest threat on the night, however, his finishing let him down. Coman put the the Milan defense under a lot of pressure with his movement in the box, and even had a penalty claim when he was brought down in the area early in the game. His speed and trickery kept the Milan back line on their toes.
Coman was a constant threat in the first half, continuously running through the channels and harassing Calabria with his movements. He even had a chance to score early in the game but was thwarted by Gabbia. The Frenchman created quite a few chances in the opening stages and was especially impressive in the counter.
Another important aspect of the game was his partnership with young left back Alphonso Davies. The two of them combined pretty well and seemed to run on the same wavelength and that should delight Kovac.
The Frenchman was replaced by Alaba in the 59th minute, but by then, Coman had left an impression on the field.
#2 Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich was his usual self against Milan. He was stellar at the back, and eager in attack. The German right back has been a composed figure at the back for the Bundesliga Giants for quite some time now and against Milan too, he did not put a foot wrong. In fact, Milan hardly found any joy through his side, as he effectively shut the door and forced the Serie A giants to looks for other portals of entry.
The Bayern right back's responsibility was not limited in defense alone. Kimmich set up the all important goal, with an incredible pass to Goretzka, which split the Milan defense into two. His inch perfect ball from almost 20 yards out found the midfielder in space and allowed him to score the only goal of the game.
Kimmich was a regular feature in the final third and sent in great balls all through the game. Only some slack finishing stopped him from picking up more assists on the night.
#1 Leon Goretzka
The German midfielder started the game in a new look three man midfield, alongside Renato Sanches and Corentin Tolisso. Goretzka was the stand out performer of the game, controlling the proceedings in the middle and helping Bayern to a memorable win.
The 24 year old helped Bayern stay in charge, by asserting his influence in the middle. His composure and passing in the middle of the park was commendable, and even before Thiago made an entry in the second half, the Bundesliga Champions were already in control of the game. But Goretzka's work was not done in the midfield alone, he was extremely agile in the opposition box as well and it was here that he gave the game its defining moment.
Picking up Kimmich's glorious pass from the deep, Goretzka displayed astute finishing prowess. He first timed his run to perfection, and received the ball in space. He even knew the keeper's position, and after forcing the keeper to lean the wrong way with his clever movement, finished into the far corner. It was a goal that Bayern deserved and that ultimately won them the game.
