Bayern Seal Narrow Win Over Wolfsburg in Bundesliga Opener

Bayern Munich began their Bundesliga title defence with a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena on Friday night.

Thomas Muller opened scoring for the hosts before the half-time break and Arjen Robben doubled their advantage immediately after the interval, but Wolfsburg’s Ivica Olic reduced the deficit shortly after.

Gianluca Gaudino earned his debut in the absence of Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago, and showed his passing prowess in the 30th minute, setting up Robert Lewandowski, only for goalkeeper Max Grun to palm the ball away.

Grun was having a difficult time under the Bavarians’ incessant attack and finally gave way for the opener after Robben dribbled his way past ex-team-mate Luiz Gustavo down the right and sent in a cross which connected with Muller’s outstretched foot into the far corner.

Bayern failed to settle comfortably in the lead before the break, but needed only a minute of the restart to double their advantage. The visitors’ debutant Josuha Guilavogui conceded possession to Robben inside his own half and, after a quick link-up play between Lewandowski and Muller, Robben found the ball back on his foot with only Grun to beat. The Dutchman placed his shot beyond the keeper onetime.

Arjen Robben Celebrates Scoring Bayern Second Goal at the Allianz Arena.
Arjen Robben Celebrates Scoring Bayern Second Goal at the Allianz Arena.

After a good spell of possession five minutes later, Olic pulled a goal back for Wolfsburg, looping a 20-yard shot over Manuel Neuer following a careless defense by his opponents.

Lewandowski then wasted a clear-cut chance on 57 minute, having being released by David Alaba, allowing Grun to get the best out of his effort.

Wolfsburg struggled to equalise, with Junior Malanda missing a sitter as his shot was turned onto the underside of the crossbar by Neuer, before the substitute blasted the rebound wide.

Sebastian Rode had a goal ruled out for an offside decision and Robben struck the top of the crossbar.