Bayern Munich got the new season started off by suffering an upset, losing the DFL-Supercup on penalties to Wolfsburg. A shocking last-minute equalizer from Nicklas Bendtner wiped out Bayern’s early second-half goal from Arjen Robben.
Wolfsburg vs. Bayern Munich, 2015 DFL-Supercup: Final score 1-1, Wolfsburg triumph on penalties after late equalizer
Wolfsburg started their season by upsetting Germany’s biggest club in the supercup.
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The first half was fairly unspectacular. Both sides struggled to shake off the rust, with Bayern having issues with the odd, unbalanced formation Pep Guardiola set them out in. Wolfsburg didn't have a terribly easy time either, with their players looking not fully up to speed and taking a long time to recognize just what exactly Bayern were trying to do with their squad.
Wolfsburg eventually earned a fantastic scoring chance, when Kevin De Bruyne controlled a ball over the top looking to drive into the box. Manuel Neuer came out to do his sweeper-keeper thing and break up the play, but somehow he whiffed on his attempt to nick the ball from De Bruyne, giving the Belgian a free shot at an empty net. He managed to screw everything up, completely missing the target instead of putting Wolfsburg ahead.
That was the best chance of the first half, but we wouldn't have to wait long to actually see a goal in the second. Bayern re-balanced their formation and immediately looked more comfortable in building up their attack, and that paid quick dividends. New signing Douglas Costa went streaking down the left side of Bayern's attack and rifled in a cross for Robert Lewandowski. Koen Casteels initially saved Lewandowski's shot, but couldn't control the ball, allowing Robben to sneak in and poke home the rebound.
It seemed fated from there that Bayern would win, with the German giants controlling the match thoroughly -- until Bendtner made his presence felt. With only moments left before the final whistle, the Danish substitute striker got right in front of goal to receive a cross from De Bruyne, and somehow found the crack between Neuer and the near post to stun Bayern and level the score at one apiece.
That sent the match to penalties -- thankfully there’s no extra time in this supercup -- and Wolfsburg came out triumphant after Casteels saved Xabi Alonso’s penalty and Wolfsburg went five-for-five, with Bendtner -- who else? -- slamming the clinching penalty into the roof of the net to send the Volkswagen Arena into raptures.
It’s a huge triumph for Wolfsburg, and puts Bayern on notice for the coming Bundesliga campaign -- take Wolfsburg seriously, or risk another upset when it comes to the final standings.
Wolfsburg: Casteels; Vierinha, Naldo, Klose, Rodriguez; Guilavogui, Arnold; Perisic (Kruse 70’), De Bruyne, Caligiuri (Schürlle 63’); Dost (Bendtner 70’)
Goal: Bendtner (89’)
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Benatia, Alaba; Robben, Müller (Götze), Alonso, Thiago (Vidal 74'), Costa; Lewandowski (Rafinha 72')
Goal: Robben (49’)
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