Bayern Munich's first match of the new season will not go down as the toughest. FC Rottach-Egern, competing at the ninth level in Germany, was defeated 0-27.
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Especially in the first half, Bayern Munich came on strong. With Noussair Mazraoui starting in the lineup - no sign of Matthijs de Ligt in Thomas Tuchel's match selection - Bayern showed no mercy to the willing opponent. At halftime, the score was already 0-18, with Mathys Tel scoring five goals and Mazraoui adding one.
For the second half, Rottach-Egern deployed their secret weapon: 53-year-old Markus Dolenga came on as a substitute as a tribute for his many years of loyal service to the club. After fifteen minutes, Dolenga was exhausted, and the damage was limited to a single goal by Marcel Sabitzer. The Austrian caught attention by scoring five goals after halftime, just like Tel, all of which were tap-ins. Ryan Gravenberch also found the net in the closing stages.
Sadio Mané hadn't managed to score yet and grew more determined with each passing minute. In the very last minute, he succeeded, visibly relieved to contribute to the 0-27 scoreline. For some reason, the referee decided not to add any injury time, so Mané's shot immediately sealed the final result.
Thus, the first friendly match turned into a finishing practice against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Tegernsee, where Bayern is currently stationed. The preparation will continue with more serious tests against Manchester City in Japan and against Liverpool in Singapore. On August 18th, they will kick off a new Bundesliga season with an away game against Werder Bremen.
