Bayern Munich ended their Asian pre-season tour with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Friday, with Luis Diaz scoring the decisive goal in the Audi Football Summit.
South Korea defender Kim Min-jae put Bayern ahead in the 37th minute, heading in a free-kick delivered by Tom Bischof.
Bayern controlled much of the match, particularly during the first half, as their high pressing disrupted Aston Villa’s attempts to build attacks. The German side also included several established first-team players and others returning from injury as they completed their preparations in Asia.
Their pressure was rewarded again in the 74th minute. Diaz doubled Bayern’s advantage with an accomplished finish after being set up by Arijon Ibrahimovic.
Aston Villa responded seven minutes from time when Joao Gomes reduced the deficit. The Premier League side then pushed for an equaliser, but Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer produced an important late save to preserve his team’s lead.
Neuer denied Tammy Abraham in a one-on-one situation, reacting sharply to prevent the forward from bringing Villa level before the final whistle.
Diaz was named player of the match after making the difference for Bayern, who will now return to Munich on Saturday following the conclusion of their Asian tour.
The Bundesliga side are scheduled to play another friendly against RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on 15 August.
For Aston Villa, the defeat was their final warm-up fixture before a major European test against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup next Wednesday. That match will be played at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
Bayern’s victory gave them a positive finish to their preparations, while Villa will now turn their attention to the meeting with the French champions and the chance to claim European silverware.
