Bayern survive Leipzig comeback to win 5-3 and lift German Super Cup
German champions Bayern Munich survived a late comeback from RB Leipzig to claim a 5-3 victory in the German Super Cup on Saturday (July 30) with an impressive first half attacking display and new signing Sadio Mane scoring on his debut.
Bayern, aiming for an 11th consecutive Bundesliga title this season, were eager to prove they remained a serious attacking threat despite the departure of top striker Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, and they did not have to wait long.
Jamal Musiala rifled in the opener in the 14th minute before Serge Gnabry cut through the Leipzig defence and delivered a perfect assist for Senegal international Mane, who joined from Liverpool, to tap in the second goal in the 31st.
Leipzig's collapse looked complete in first half stoppage time when Musiala weaved his way into the box and set up Benjamin Pavard to drill the ball home.
Bayern's backline was equally as effective in the first half with Leipzig having only one shot on goal in the 45 minutes.
That all changed after the break with the hosts hitting the woodwork in the 56th with substitute Andre Silva's powerful header before Marcel Halstenberg went one better with his own header three minutes later to cut the deficit.
Serge Gnabry briefly restored Bayern's three-goal cushion when he fired into the top of the net on the rebound after Thomas Mueller's shot was palmed away by keeper Peter Gulacsi.
A 77th minute penalty by Christopher Nkunku made it 4-2 before Leipzig team mate Dani Olmo scored with a powerful shot to set up a nervous finale to an entertaining encounter.
However, late substitute Leroy Sane made sure of the first title of the season for Bayern, scoring on the break with the last kick of the game.
The Bundesliga season kicks off on Aug. 5.
