Bayern Munich edge Aston Villa as Luis Diaz scores in Hong Kong warm-up

Bayern Munich completed their Asian pre-season tour with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Friday, leaving Villa with a defeat in their final match before Wednesday’s European Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

Kim Min-jae put the German champions ahead after 37 minutes, heading in a free-kick delivered by Tom Bischof. Bayern controlled much of the game, particularly in the first half, as their high pressing disrupted Aston Villa’s attempts to build from the back.

Luis Diaz doubled Bayern’s advantage in the 74th minute with an excellent finish after being played in by Arijon Ibrahimovic. The Colombia international’s performance earned him the player of the match award on his Bayern debut in the fixture.

Aston Villa responded through Joao Gomes, who reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute. The Premier League side then pushed for an equaliser, but Manuel Neuer preserved Bayern’s lead with an important late save from a one-on-one opportunity against Tammy Abraham.

Bayern fielded a number of established players, as well as members of the squad returning from injury, during a match in which they largely dictated the tempo. Their pressure was especially effective before half-time, although Villa improved after the break and finished the contest strongly.

The result marked the end of Bayern’s preparations in Asia. Vincent Kompany’s side will return to Munich on Saturday before facing Leipzig in another friendly at the Allianz Arena on 15 August.

For Aston Villa, the match was their last warm-up before a major competitive test against Paris Saint-Germain in the European Super Cup. That game will take place next Wednesday at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.

Bayern’s victory provided a positive conclusion to a tour that has given the club an opportunity to assess both their key starters and players working their way back to full fitness. Villa, meanwhile, will have little time to reflect on the defeat before turning their focus to the meeting with the French champions.