Bayern Munich began the new campaign with silverware after overcoming Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on Saturday to claim the German Supercup.
The reigning Bundesliga and German Cup champions produced a dominant first-half display at Dortmund, scoring twice before surviving a late fightback from the hosts.
Bayern broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when new signing Nathaniel Brown marked his competitive debut in style, unleashing a powerful finish after being set up by Michael Olise.
Olise then turned from provider to scorer in first-half stoppage time, doubling Bayern’s advantage and putting Vincent Kompany’s side firmly in control going into the interval.
The victory underlined Bayern’s determination to maintain their winning mentality despite last season’s domestic success.
“I’m very happy with the win,” Kompany said. “Michael Olise and Harry Kane trained three times and were able to play 90 minutes.
“Regardless of the result today, it was a statement of energy, fighting for every ball, every situation.
“Some people maybe think we’ll have a drop because we won everything last year. But that won’t be the case. We won’t rest and will try to win everything.”
Dortmund responded with greater urgency after the break, with new arrivals Giannis Konstantelias and Konstantinos Karetsas both going close as the hosts looked to reduce the deficit.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute. Dortmund moved the ball swiftly through a three-pass sequence before Fabio Silva calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were dealt a major blow when Ramy Bensebaini received a straight red card in the 90th minute for a foul on Bayern substitute Ismael Saibari.
Dortmund still had one final opportunity deep into stoppage time, but Alexander Beier fired over from close range as Bayern held on to secure the Super Cup.
The result gives Bayern a confidence-boosting start ahead of the Bundesliga season, which begins next week
