JAVI MARTINEZ was Bayern Munich’s unlikely hero in the Uefa Super Cup.
Seven years after scoring another extra-time goal to help Bayern clinch their last title, the Spaniard came off the bench to head in a 104th-minute winner against Sevilla in Budapest.
Bayern Munich lifted the Uefa Super Cup to complete a quadruple with a 2-1 win over SevillaCredit: Getty – Pool
Javi Martinez, No8, scored a crucial extra-time header to turn the game aroundCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sevilla led after just 13 minutes when Lucas Ocampos sent Manuel Neuer the wrong way from the penalty spot.
English ref Anthony Taylor penalised David Alaba for a body charge on Ivan Rakitic, who was making his second debut for the LaLiga side after returning from Barcelona this summer.
But Leon Goretzka levelled things up 11 minutes before the break, volleying home in expert fashion from Robert Lewandowski’s deft touch.
Sevilla should have won the game at the end of normal time when Youssef En-Nesyri raced clear, only for Neuer to make a huge one-on-one save – one of two critical saves the German made to deny the same player.
A goalless second half meant an extra half an hour was played and Martinez – who could be about to leave the Allianz Arena – pounced barely five minutes after coming on.
Sevilla stopper Yassine Bounou parried Alaba’s strike but directly for Martinez, who planted his header out of the Moroccan’s reach.
And the Champions League winners held on for victory.
Bayern are now unbeaten in 32 consecutive matches – dating back to December 7, 2019.
Lucas Ocampos slotted home his no-look penalty to give Sevilla an early leadCredit: AFP or licensors
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor penalised David Alaba for body-checking Ivan RakiticCredit: Reuters
And it also means they have completed a sensational quadruple by adding the Super Cup to their Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup triumphs.
The win will be even more special after being able to celebrate in front of some of their own fans.
Some 15,000 supporters – including 3,000 from each club – were allowed into Budapest’s Puskas Arena with the game seen as a test event for the gradual return of fans to European games.
Leon Goretkza fired in Bayern’s equaliser with 34 minutes on the clockCredit: AP:Associated Press
The German wheels away to celebrate and thank Robert Lewandowski for his perfect assistCredit: Reuters
Manuel Neuer was in inspired form once again to deny Youssef En-Nesyri and take the game to extra timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Fans attempt social distancing at the UEFA Super Cup as 20,000 fans attend in Budapest
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
