Mexican waves rippled around the stadium, the fans saluted their “Super Bayern” heroes, and the players clearly enjoyed their evening’s work. “I think we played really well. We’re very pleased,” commented Thomas Müller after Wednesday evening’s 3-0 Audi Cup semi-final victory over AC Milan. Coach Pep Guardiola readily agreed: “I’m very satisfied. We’ve done a good job today.”
Juan Bernat (23), Mario Götze (74) and Robert Lewandowski (85) scored against the famous Italian club. The stats from an entertaining contest in front of a full house at the Allianz Arena showed that FCB won the shot count 22-4, sent over 22 crosses to their opponents’ four, and won the corners tally 13-0. “We created lots of chances and just played very attractive football,” continued Müller.
REUNION WITH KROOS
Bayern now meet Spanish and world giants Real Madrid in Wednesday’s final (kick-off 20:45 CET, live on ZDF). “It’ll be a good game for us and the fans,” Lewandowski ventured. “We’re looking forward to it. It’s a top match, even if it is only a pre-season game,” added Müller, who is especially looking forward to a reunion with former Reds star Toni Kroos. “I’d certainly like to put one over on him,” the striker grinned.
It was a satisfying evening for all the Munich men except one. Joshua Kimmich took a heavy blow to the thigh after 21 minutes and had to be substituted. “He can’t play tomorrow,” Guardiola said at the post-match press conference, “I’m sad for him.” Kimmich will have to lend his support from a seat in the stands, but the other players will give it their best shot out on the pitch. Any clash with Real Madrid “is a bit special,” said club captain Philipp Lahm: “You definitely want to win a tournament like this.”
