Pep Guardiola’s first game in charge of the European champions, Bayern Munich, ended in victory for the Bavarian giants against Barcelona at the Allianz Arena.
Last (Wednesday) night, Bayern defeated Barca 2-0 in a pre-season friendly. A Philipp Lahm header put the home team in front before Mario Mandzukic scored the second with three minutes left to full-time.
Ahead of the arrival of new Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, assistant coach Jordi Roura sat on the dugout for the La Liga Champions. Lionel Messi was on the pitch but the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Neymar were not featured.
26-year-old Messi, who was replaced at half-time, told Barca’s official website that the hamstring injury which caused him to miss the last three games of last season is now behind him.
“Luckily, my injury is now behind me. I’m completely recovered and I’m really looking forward to the new season,” he said.
Guardiola, who left the Camp Nou last year, started the match without a main striker, with Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Mueller in a three-man forward line.
Lahm headed Ribery’s cross home before substitute Mandzukic finished from Diego Contento’s ball into the box.
“It was a special game for me. I spent my whole life as a player and coach at Barcelona,” said Guardiola.
“I’m happy; I don’t have anything to complain about at the moment.”
Up next for the Bundesliga champions will be the German Super Cup tie with last year Champions League losing finalist Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
