Bayern Munich Begin Title Defence in Style with 5–0 Rout of Hamburg
By BBC Sport
Bayern Munich launched their Bundesliga title defence in emphatic fashion on Friday night with a dominant 5–0 win over Hamburg SV at the Allianz Arena.
In a one-sided affair, Pep Guardiola’s side wasted no time in asserting their superiority, with Moroccan international Mehdi Benatia opening the scoring in the 26th minute. The central defender rose highest to meet a pinpoint Xabi Alonso free-kick, powering a header past the helpless Hamburg goalkeeper to net Bayern’s first goal of the new season.
Benatia’s performance was not limited to the attacking end. The Atlas Lion put in a commanding display at the back, playing the full 90 minutes and helping his team keep a clean sheet against a Hamburg side that struggled to threaten.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure after the break. Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Müller—who netted a brace—and Douglas Costa rounded off a five-star display from the defending champions, who look determined to retain their Bundesliga crown.
Bayern’s fluid passing and relentless pressing left Hamburg chasing shadows, underlining the gulf in class between the two sides. The win sends an early message to the rest of the league that the Bavarian giants remain the team to beat in the 2015–16 season.
The result also marks a strong individual start for Benatia, who will be looking to cement his place in Guardiola’s backline after an injury-hit debut campaign last year.
