Javi Martinez became the hero on Thursday night as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1 in extra-time and win the European Super Cup.
Sevilla, Europa League winners, had taken a 13th-minute lead from the penalty spot thanks to Lucas Ocampos’ but Leon Goretzka equalised to bring Bayern level 11 minutes before the break.
However, despite having two goals disallowed, the European champions eventually found a way past Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bono, thanks to substitute Javi Martinez’s header in extra time.
The showpiece was witnessed by 15,180 supporters inside the 67,000-capacity Puskas Arena, the first major European match to allow fans since the coronavirus pandemic forced the game into lockdown.
Although Hansi Flick’s side may have headed into Thursday night’s clash in Budapest on the back of 22 games winning streak, it was the Spaniards who scored the opener just before the quarter-hour mark when eagled-eyed English official Anthony Taylor spotted that Ivan Rakitic had been pulled back by David Alaba while trying to latch on to Luuk de Jong’s clever headed knock down.
Related: Kingsley Coman earns Bayern its sixth Champions League trophy, Europa League final: Sevilla conquers the Europa League for the sixth time
Sevilla’s top scorer last season, Ocampos, kept his cool from the spot to send Manuel Neuer the wrong way, but Bayern soon levelled thanks to a beautifully worked goal to nullify thoughts of a shocker on the cards.
The European champions looked a little rusty despite opening their defence of the Bundesliga with an 8-0 romp against Schalke.
There were still glimpses of the class and threat of Lewandowski and the pace and directness Sane brought after his move from Manchester City.
This victory makes it 32 games unbeaten in all competitions for the treble winners, while Sevilla’s own 21-game unbeaten run came to an end.
The game sprang to life with the atmosphere as fans returned to the big European occasion, although in vastly reduced numbers while also observing social distancing, wearing masks and undergoing temperature checks before the game.
But one thing remained unchanged – Bayern Munich ended up lifting the silverware.
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