Bayern Munich edge Dortmund to hand Ismael Saibari first German Supercup medal

Bayern Munich won the German Supercup for a record-extending 12th time on Saturday, giving Ismael Saibari the first trophy of his Bayern career after a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

Michael Olise again played a decisive role for Bayern, providing the assist for the opening goal before scoring one of his own. Borussia Dortmund, who fielded Algeria international Ramy Bensebaini, mounted a second-half fightback but could not find an equaliser and finished the match with 10 players.

Bayern started the contest strongly and controlled the opening stages. Their pressure was rewarded just before the half-hour mark when Olise supplied Nathaniel Brown, who sent a low shot into the far corner from the left-back position.

The effort gave Gregor Kobel no chance and reflected Bayern’s dominance during the first part of the match. Dortmund struggled to contain the German champions’ attacking movement, while Bayern looked capable of extending their advantage.

They did so shortly before half-time. Olise had missed a golden opportunity a minute earlier, but quickly made amends after a defensive mistake from Dortmund. The France international dribbled skilfully through the defence before finishing superbly with the outside of his foot.

That goal put Bayern 2-0 ahead at the interval and left Dortmund with a difficult task after a first half in which Niko Kovac’s side had been unable to match their opponents’ intensity.

Dortmund emerged from the break with greater purpose and attempted to raise the tempo. Joey Veerman was introduced as the side searched for a route back into the match, and their pressure eventually produced a goal.

Fabio Silva reduced the deficit by meeting a cross from Daniel Svensson and directing his finish into the net. The goal gave Dortmund renewed hope and prompted a sustained effort to find an equaliser.

Bayern were forced to defend for long periods as Dortmund continued to push forward. Manuel Neuer came close to making a costly mistake, although the Bayern goalkeeper managed to recover in time and prevent the error from leading to a second goal.

The closing stages became increasingly tense, with Dortmund’s hopes of completing the comeback ending when Bensebaini was sent off in the 80th minute. His forceful tackle on the replacement for Bayern’s new Moroccan signing, Saibari, was punished with a red card.

Playing with 10 men, Dortmund were unable to break through again. Bayern held on to secure victory and begin the season with silverware, while Saibari celebrated the first trophy of his time at the club.

The Supercup triumph represents Bayern’s 12th success in the competition and gives the club an early boost after overcoming their fiercest domestic rivals.