Bayern Munich beat Aston Villa to lift Audi Cup before German Super Cup

Bayern Munich began their final preparations for the new season with a 2-1 friendly victory over Aston Villa, securing the Audi Cup in the process.

Kim Min-jae gave the German side the lead before Luis Diaz doubled their advantage in the second half. Aston Villa responded through Joao Gomes, but Bayern held on to claim their third friendly win and complete their Audi Cup triumph.

Bayern’s opening goal came in the 37th minute. Tom Bischof delivered an accurate cross into the area and Kim Min-jae met it with a well-directed header that found the back of the Aston Villa net.

The Bundesliga champions extended their advantage after 73 minutes when Diaz produced a controlled finish into the goalkeeper’s bottom-left corner. His strike strengthened Bayern’s position and appeared to put them on course for a comfortable victory.

Aston Villa reduced the deficit seven minutes from time. Joao Gomes unleashed a powerful effort which flew past the Bayern goalkeeper, with Lamare Bogarde providing the assist.

Villa were unable to find an equaliser, allowing Bayern to finish their latest pre-season fixture with another win and the Audi Cup.

The result comes as Bayern continue their build-up to the German Super Cup, where they will face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, 22 August, just before the new season begins. Before that meeting, Bayern are scheduled to play RB Leipzig on Saturday, 15 August, in their final friendly.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, will begin their competitive campaign against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. That match is scheduled for Wednesday at 22:00 Cairo time and will be Villa’s first official fixture of the season.

The victory over Aston Villa therefore gives Bayern a final piece of silverware during their preparations, while also extending their unbeaten run across their friendly schedule to three wins. Their next match against RB Leipzig will be their last opportunity to prepare before the German Super Cup encounter with Borussia Dortmund.

Villa’s attention now turns away from pre-season competition and towards their meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. The UEFA Super Cup will provide their first competitive test of the new campaign, following their narrow defeat by Bayern in the Audi Cup final.