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Congratulations Neymar!

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Leicester confirm signing of Iheanacho from Man City for £25m

Leicester City have announced the signing of Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City.The forward has moved to the Foxes for a fee reported to be £25 million, with the 20-year-old signing a five-year deal at the King Power Stadium.In two full seasons at Man City, Iheanacho played 46 Premier League games and scored 12 goals, but found himself behind Sergio Aguero, Wilfried Bony and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order.

Iheanacho is eager to get started with Craig Shakespeare's side, and is looking forward to becoming part of the Leicester first team.“It feels good and I’m happy to be part of this team," Iheanacho told the club's official website.

"I know the ambition of the team and speaking with the manager, he let me know what I need to do – to help the team achieve what they want. I was convinced and I’m happy to be here.“I was happy speaking with the manager, knowing what the team wants. It gives me more confidence that I will fit in this team and hopefully I’ll achieve a lot.”

Leicester boss Shakespeare is delighted with his new signing, believing that the club have signed one of the best young players in the Premier League. “It’s a great signing for us," Shakespeare said. "Kelechi is an enormously talented player that has shown a huge amount of promise at every level in which he’s played.

“We’ve tracked his progress for some time, so we know how much quality he’ll bring to the squad. He’s young, he’s hungry, he’s ready for the next stage of his development and I’m delighted that will be with Leicester City.”

 

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Milan CEO won't rule out moving for Falcao or Ibrahimovic


Former Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Monaco striker Radamel Falcao are being considered by AC Milan, according to CEO Marco Fassone.Ibrahimovic is a free agent and recovering from a serious knee injury after he was released by United and the 35-year-old has been linked with a return to Milan.


He spent two seasons at San Siro, winning the Serie A title in 2010-11.Falcao has also emerged as a possible signing to join the Milan revolution, which already includes Leonardo Bonucci, Andre Silva, Lucas Biglia, Andrea Conti, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie and Fabio Borini.

Asked about Ibrahimovic and Falcao amid links with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Diego Costa, Andrea Belotti and Nikola Kalinic, Fassone told Sky Sport Italia: "We continue talking about a striker, but must use our time wisely."We're working on it, there mustn't be any sense of haste, as we don't want to make a mistake."While the club is not going to rush to make a signing, Fassone doesn't seem to be ruling out anybody.

"So far I haven't said no to any of the names that have been mentioned, and I won't say no to Falcao either, but among the six or seven names that have been suggested we've been closer to some than others," Fassone continued.

"The doubt we had was whether to make such a significant revolution of the squad or a gradual growth, but Massimiliano Mirabelli and I made this courageous decision and we hope it was the right one."We see this as not a one-year project, but over two or three years."

 

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Inter discussing new contract with Perisic


Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is adamant Ivan Perisic will not be sold as he revealed talks are underway regarding a new contract for the Manchester United target.Perisic has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants United, though a deal is yet to materialise.

Inter have insisted the Perisic will remain in Milan and Ausilio reiterated the Serie A club's stance regarding the Croatia international winger and team-mate Antonio Candreva, who is reportedly a target for Chelsea.

"I don't understand where some of these stories come from," Ausilio told Mediaset Premium."Candreva has never been on the market and we have absolutely no intention of selling him.

"The same goes for Perisic, who is an important player and we are currently discussing a new contract with him."Inter have been active in the transfer market, signing Matias Vecino, Milan Skriniar and Borja Valero, while Nice full-back Dalbert is set to arrive.

The Italians have also been linked with Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal, but Ausilio said: "We realised straight away that it was practically impossible to get Vidal, because when Bayern don't open the door, you’ve got no chance."

 

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Inter discussing new contract with Perisic

Onna oka nisa thamai Alternative 1kak balanna one​

 

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Gimnastic 1 Barcelona 1: Alcacer brilliance rescues draw in first match since Neymar sale


Paco Alcacer scored a brilliant late free-kick as Barcelona were forced to settle for a 1-1 away draw against Gimnastic in a friendly match that saw them lose Thomas Vermaelen to injury.

Barca had impressively beaten Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the United States last month but looked to be on course for their first defeat of pre-season on Friday until Alcacer's impressive intervention after 79 minutes.

Playing in their first match since the world-record sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, head coach Ernesto Valverde named a side mainly filled with fringe players, with Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez among the stars missing out.

Hosts Nastic, who play in the Spanish second tier, took a shock lead after 11 minutes when Manu Barreiro shot past Jasper Cillessen from a yard out after being set up by Omar Perdomo from the left.

Vermaelen, who spent last season on loan at Roma, limped off with injury after the goal, Marlon Santos replacing him.Alcacer and Carles Alena went close for Barca either side of Valverde bringing on Munir El Haddadi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the break, while Gerard Deulofeu, Andre Gomes, Jordi Alba and Douglas entered the fray midway through the second half.

After Deulofeu came close to an equaliser it looked like the visitors were heading for a shock defeat, but Alcacer produced a moment of magic to convert his set piece from almost 30 yards.



Barca are back in action against Chapecoense in the Gamper trophy on Monday, before their competitive season gets under way against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Supercopa de Espana on August 13.

 

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Alexis still on Man City radar? Guardiola wants 'something more' before deadline


Pep Guardiola has spent big at Manchester City this summer, but wants “something more” before the window slams shut.The Catalan endured a first trophyless campaign of his coaching career in 2016-17, with his arrival failing to make the desired impact at the Etihad Stadium.


He has been backed by his board in an attempt to right those wrongs, with Ederson, Bernando Silva, Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo brought on board.

Guardiola, though, believes that there is still room for improvement, amid links to the likes of Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, and is hoping for more arrivals ahead of the August 31 deadline.

He told reporters after a 3-0 friendly victory over West Ham on Friday: “We have a lot of players with a lot of quality, that’s why I’m so grateful for what the club has done.“With respect to the players last season, we were one of the oldest teams in the Premier League. Danilo, Bernardo, Mendy, Ederson – we’ve bought young players.

“I think we need something a little bit more. The transfer window finishes 31 August, we will see.“I am happy with the way they work and the players know that. They have to show me this every day.“We want to fight in every game.”City will open their 2017-18 Premier League campaign away at newly-promoted Brighton on August 12.

 

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Dembele welcomes Barca rumours amid Neymar replacement talk


Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele has welcomed ongoing talk suggesting that he could replace Neymar at Barcelona.With the Brazilian forward having completed a record-breaking €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, those left behind at Camp Nou are now in the market for cover.

Various names have been offered up as potential targets, including Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.


France international Dembele is another of those to have generated plenty of transfer gossip, and the highly-rated 20-year-old is ruling nothing out at this stage."[Barcelona] is a great club and all players would like to play at a club like that," he told Gol."It is a pleasure to be able to see your name on the list of players who Barcelona want.

"We'll be calm and see what happens."Dembele has previously said that the speculation “doesn’t interest” him, with there no desire on his part to push for a move.He is, however, clearly flattered by the rumours and knows that Barca now have the funds at their disposal to make a move happen.

That will be of concern to Dortmund boss Peter Bosz, who recently claimed that he was “not worrying about Dembele going to Barcelona”.

 

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Barcelona prepare to spend part of Neymar cash on Inigo Martinez


Barcelona are close to completing a deal for Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez, with Goal of the understanding that a transfer is set to be pushed through.The Camp Nou outfit find themselves in a position to spend big after offloading Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking €222 million transfer fee.


Part of that windfall is set to be invested in Spain international Martinez, with Sociedad confirming that interest in the 26-year-old has been shown.Sporting director Loren Juarros told reporters on Friday: "It's true Barca have spoken with us.

"They've been in contact to show their interest in the player. But so far there is no offer on the table. That's all we can say."La Real have no intention of facilitating Inigo's exit to any club. He is irreplaceable. We do not want to sell him."

With Sociedad reluctant to sell, Barca will need to trigger Martinez’s reported €32m buy-out clause in order to push an agreement through.Goal understands that those in Catalonia are willing to meet that figure.

Martinez will bolster a centre-half unit at Camp Nou which already includes Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano.It is expected that another addition to the ranks will see Thomas Vermaelen moved on.

Any deal for Martinez will also see Barca complete their third capture of the summer, following deals to bring Gerard Deulofeu back to the club and to acquire Nelson Semedo from Benfica.

 

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Liverpool rocked by Lallana blow as midfielder set for 'months not weeks' on the sidelines


Liverpool’s ambitions for the new season have suffered a weighty setback, with Adam Lallana ruled out for the opening months of the Premier League campaign with a thigh injury.

The England international sustained the problem against Atletico Madrid in the Audi Cup final, which the Reds lost 5-4 on penalties at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.

Jurgen Klopp will frustratingly have to plan without a core member of his squad as the Merseysiders attempt to start the domestic season assertively, as well as progress to the Champions League with a play-off tie against Hoffenheim sandwiched between their first three top-flight fixtures.

Lallana is set to miss the blockbuster league games against Arsenal and Manchester City as well as the first two matchdays of the group phase if Liverpool do advance in Europe.

Beyond August and September, the club will assess the 29-year-old’s rehabilitation in the hope of him returning to action ahead of schedule.“This is certainly not news we would have wanted," Klopp told the club's official website.

“Unfortunately, the damage is such that it will likely mean Adam is out for a couple of months not weeks, so I think we can pretty much rule him out of August and September.

“Beyond that we will monitor and wait and see."He is a boy with a world-class attitude to everything professionally and he has always come back in good time from injury setbacks since I have been here, so we will see.”

Liverpool had been desperate to bolster their midfield options by signing RB Leipzig's Naby Keita, but saw two bids rejected - the latter of which matched the record for a Bundesliga transfer - with the German side insisting he is not for sale at any price.

Lallana's injury may further highlight the need to recruit in that department.Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, who also hurt in thigh in Munich, will not travel forLiverpool's final pre-season game against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on Saturday.The striker is hoping to be in contention for the Premier League opener against Watford.

Philippe Coutinho will also skip the encounter as a precaution due to a sore back.

 

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Manchester City 3 West Ham 0: Title contenders hit top form in ominous showing

Manchester City sounded a warning to their title rivals with a highly polished 3-0 pre-season win over West Ham in Iceland on Friday.

Pep Guardiola's side hit top form in their final outing ahead of the new Premier League campaign as Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling added to Gabriel Jesus' early opener.

West Ham were outclassed from start to finish and only an impressive string of saves from Joe Hart – on loan from City - prevented more damage.

The defeat could prove even more costly for the Hammers after Andre Ayew and new signing Marko Arnautovic both picked up knocks, while Javier Hernandez saw little of the ball in his 45 minutes off the bench.

There was little Hart could do about City's eighth-minute opener as Kevin De Bruyne picked out a wide-open Jesus, who did enough to force the ball home from close range.

The England shot-stopper did produce a smart reaction five minutes later when Aguero attempted to sneak a shot inside the near post.

City were in complete control throughout the opening 25 minutes and only some desperate West Ham scrambling prevented Guardiola’s men from extending their lead, with Jesus unable to find a team-mate after shoving Angelo Ogbonna off the ball.

Former City man Pablo Zabaleta made West Ham's first incursion into the opposition penalty area on the half-hour but Spanish striker Toni Martinez headed harmlessly over the crossbar.

Leroy Sane responded by beating two markers and flashing a low attempt across the face of goal before Hart was called into action once more on the stroke of half-time, deflecting Aguero's fierce low strike away from the near post.

Slaven Bilic made three changes at the break and his side appeared to have found a footing until the 56th minute, when David Silva linked up with Sane on the left and supplied a superb low cross for Aguero to tuck away. Despite conceding the second, Hart continued his fine performance by denying Silva a goal of his own with a strong hand down to his left.

City did get their third soon after though as a fortuitous deflection fell kindly for substitute Sterling to volley home with 20 minutes remaining, although the winger's former team-mate did well to prevent him from heading in a second moments later.

Bilic's side began to cause more trouble as the match wore on but lacked the cutting edge to create clear opportunities, with Hernandez guilty of squandering a rare breakaway in the closing stages.



The result leaves the London club with plenty of work to do before heading to Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, while City look in good shape for their trip to newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion next weekend.

 

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‘I hope to change the world’ - Mata reveals charity plan


Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is hoping footballers around the world will join him in donating to and supporting the charity fund Common Goal.

“Today, I am launching something that I hope will help to change the world, even if only in some small way,” Mata wrote in the Players Tribune. “And I hope that other footballers around the world will help me in this goal.”


In the piece for the publication, Mata details his journey through the game and spoke of how his grandfather’s passing last season made him evaluate what he wished his legacy to be.

Mata explained how he has decided to give back to the less fortunate in hopes they can have a similar chance that he had, and promised to donate one per cent of his salary toward the Common Goal fund.“I thought about everything football had given me,” Mata wrote. “And I thought about what I wanted my legacy to be.

“I knew how lucky I was to have the opportunities I’d had — and that not everyone has a family like mine.“And even though I’ve been engaged with charities before, I knew that I wanted to do something more. I want to make sure that other kids get the chances I had.

“So starting today, I am pledging 1% of my salary to Common Goal, a collective fund — run by the award-winning NGO streetfootballworld — that supports football charities around the globe. It’s a small gesture that if shared can change the world.”What Mata hopes is that he is the first of a worldwide effort to support the game through footballers' local charities and organizations.

“I’m asking my fellow professionals to join me in forming a Common Goal Starting XI. Together we can create a movement based on shared values that can become integral to the whole football industry — forever.“I am leading this effort, but I don’t want to be alone.”Mata also hopes this effort moves beyond individual players and to the entire footballing industry.

“The focus now is on contributions from players, but the the long-term goal is to unlock 1% of the entire football industry’s revenues for grassroots football charities that strengthen their communities through sport.”

Mata also discussed the impact of visiting a a charity in Mumbai, India and seeing the children enjoying the game despite the difficulties they faced due to poverty.The experience cemented his desire to help children around the world get an opportunity through the beautiful game.

“They knew we were there to help, and there was this tangible energy in the air. And, I think, in the same way that I gave my grandfather life — these children were giving me life.

“So now I would like to call upon my fellow footballers to help. We have so many opportunities simply because we play a children’s game. We are so lucky to live a dream. Let’s come together and help kids everywhere experience that same light and joy. By doing so we can show the wider football industry that Common Goal needs to happen and that it will happen, because it’s right.”

 

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Ronaldo transfer hint? Real Madrid star admits 'I want to go back to England'


Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo told the judge at his tax trial in Spain that he wants to go back to England.The Portugal international stands accused of defrauding authorities out of €14.7 million.

He has been in court fighting those charges, with his comments regarding a possible return to England made on July 31.


They have just come to light, through Cadena SER, with the former Manchester United forward seemingly opening the door to a possible second stint in the Premier League.Ronaldo said: "In England, I never had these problems, that's why I want to go back there."I always paid my taxes, always. In England and in Spain. And I always paid.“As you know, I cannot hide anything, it would be ridiculous on my part to do such a thing. I am an open book.

“You don't need to do anything but type my name into Google and everything about Cristiano comes out. For example, Forbes magazine releases all of my earnings"Ronaldo was responding to questions from Judge Monica Gomez Ferrer.

He added: "I paid everything in 2014. I don't understand anything about this, I only went to school until my sixth year and the only thing I know how to do is play football well. When my advisors tell me, 'Cris, it's okay' then I believe them.

Ronaldo went on to defend his agent Jorge Mendes, saying: "I pay, I want to be honest and I always pay."I trust my advisors and they are the best. I pay them well and they do good things and I leave everything in their hands."

The 32-year-old sparked exit talk earlier this summer when reports emerged suggesting that he wanted out of Real Madrid after being accused of tax fraud.
Speculation dragged on throughout his involvement at the Confederations Cup, before he finally addressed the issue.

Ronaldo told Marca in July: "Winning major trophies with my club last year was great, just like the individual trophies. Doing it again would be fine."You have to work hard, year after year, I will continue to do it. Football is my life, it is my passion."Ronaldo signed a five-year contract with Real in November 2016.

 

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Monaco 3 Toulouse 2: Mbappe limps off as champions win thriller

Kylian Mbappe suffered a late injury as Monaco twice came from behind to beat Toulouse 3-2 in a home thriller to open the new Ligue 1 season, a day after Neymar joined title rivals Paris Saint-Germain.Radamel Falcao and Kamil Glik scored second-half headers which proved decisive on Friday after the visitors had threatened to cause a major upset.

Mbappe, heavily linked with a move away during the transfer window, was not among the scorers and limped off with an injury Leonardo Jardim, as well as the striker's suitors, will hope is not serious.

Toulouse took a shock lead after only six minutes, a clever corner routine seeing Corentin Jean find Andy Delort outside the box, with the striker sending a clever chested pass into the area that allowed Zinedine Machach to produce a first-time finish past Danijel Subasic.

Mbappe had a shot saved by Alban Lafont after Rony Lopes' throughball, but Monaco levelled after 28 minutes when Joao Moutinho swung in a corner from the left and Jemerson rose well to head in from six yards for a rare goal.

Lafont was at full stretch to keep out Thomas Lemar's free-kick early in the second half, which proved crucial when Toulouse moved back in front after 53 minutes. Djibril Sidibe lost possession led to Jimmy Durmaz, who found Delort to send a low shot past Subasic from 20 yards.

Monaco levelled within five minutes. A clever flick from Mbappe, who previously had a penalty claim rejected, set up a left-wing cross from Jorge for Falcao, whose close-range header was too powerful for Lafont to keep out.

Moutinho then got his second assist of the night after 70 minutes, lofting in a free-kick which Glik got the faintest of touches to at the far post, a goal that proved to be the winner.

Mbappe gingerly walked off the field with 15 minutes remaining after signalling he wanted to be replaced during a break in play. His replacement, Allan Saint-Maximin, set up fellow substitute Guido Carrillo to test Lafont in stoppage time as the champions settled for a narrow victory in an exciting start to their title defence.

 

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Conte hits back at Pochettino: 'Judge Morata and Kane at the end of the season'


Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is reluctant to compare Alvaro Morata and Harry Kane but believes his summer signing is among the world’s best.The Blues have snapped up the Spain international in a £70 million raid on Real Madrid.


Conte has admitted that he needs to work hard on getting himself ready for a Premier League challenge, with the English top-flight awash with striking talent.

He is, however, reluctant to be drawn into a debate regarding where Morata stands in the pecking order, particularly when quizzed on his value next to Tottenham’s two-time Golden Boot winner Kane.Conte said: "I can't reply to this question because Kane played in the English league and Morata played in the Spanish and Italian leagues.

“After this season, I can reply to you in the right way."Kane has finished as the Premier League’s top marksman in each of the last two seasons and boasts a prolific strike rate for Spurs and England.Morata has also been a regular source of goals in recent years, but has failed to match the return of a direct rival in London.

He had plenty of suitors this summer, though, with Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino claiming that he was snubbed as Morata did not fancy the challenge of competing with Kane.Conte is refusing to read too much into those comments, with it his opinion that the 24-year-old is among the best in the business.

He added: "I don't know about this situation [Morata's reasons for not joining Spurs]. But I think Morata is a really good player and he can compete with every striker in the world to try to play. “He is a young player and my task is also to help him improve, to exploit his quality because I know he has great quality and my task is this – to improve his quality to become one of the best strikers in the world."

 

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Iheanacho suffers injury scare as Vardy brace sees Leicester down Gladbach


Jamie Vardy scored both goals to inspire Leicester City to a 2-1 comeback victory over Borussia Monchengladbach at the King Power Stadium.

The England striker netted twice in seven second-half minutes to overturn a one-goal deficit and secure his side's second win of a lean pre-season.Vardy's star turn was somewhat overshadowed when Kelechi Iheanacho, who had helped to set up Leicester's winner, limped off shortly after coming on for his debut, but Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare later insisted the star signing's withdrawal was only precautionary."I am still looking to find out, I don't know whether it is ankle or Achilles - but he seems fine," said Shakespeare.

"The first thing is the physios and they aren't showing great concern, which is a good sign."Thorgan Hazard had earlier put the visitors ahead with a brilliant curling effort just after half-time, with Bundesliga outfit suffering an injury worry of their own when midfielder Tobias Strobl was forced off on a stretcher.

 

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Chelsea boss Conte: This will be my most difficult season


Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed that he thinks the forthcoming campaign will be the “most difficult” of his career.

The Blues go into the new season reigning Premier League champions, and the Italian believes that this will only increase the expectation level of him and his team.

“For me, it will be the most difficult season of my career,” he said. “I’m sure about that.

“I haven’t a lot of time to explain a lot of these reasons. But I’m sure about this. I have this perception and I hope I’ve made a mistake.“In England, the pressure is high and you have to live with that pressure. In England, the league is strong, the strongest in the world.“You have six teams ready to fight and to win the title. But only one team can win. It won’t be easy. But we are trying to do this.”Pressure, meanwhile, is something the Italian needs to feel at his most competitive.

“If I don’t feel the pressure, then I put myself under pressure,” he said. “That’s my life. The pressure helps me to give the best, 120 per cent.”

 

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Borussia Dortmund 2 Bayern Munich 2 (4-5 pens): Bosz's boys lead twice but pay penalty

Bayern Munich twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund before goalkeeper Sven Ulreich was their penalty shoot-out hero in the DFL-Supercup.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appeared to have given Dortmund victory after a close-season of speculation linking him to a move away from Signal Iduna Park – the 2016-17 Bundesliga top scorer finishing with aplomb in the 71st minute.

But Peter Bosz's side were unable to hold out during the Dutchman's first competitive game in charge as an 88th-minute goalmouth scramble concluded with a Roman Burki own goal.

Joshua Kimmich instigated Bayern's late leveller but the young Germany star was the first man to falter in the shoot-out, although Ulreich responded by denying Sebastian Rode.With the score tied at 4-4, Niklas Sule blasted into the top corner for the Bundesliga champions and Ulreich guessed correctly to thwart Marc Bartra.

It meant a welcome fillip for Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti, who saw his side lose four out of five pre-season friendlies going into a match where they needed Robert Lewandowski to cancel out Christian Pulisic's opener.


Lewandowski fired over shortly before the lackadaisical play evident from Bayern over recent weeks was again on display as Dortmund took a 12th-minute lead. Arturo Vidal seemed partially surprised to receive a quickly taken free-kick and swept a risky pass across the backline to Javi Martinez.

The Spain international's sloppy touch was the only invitation Pulisic needed to pinch possession, bear down on goal and slot clinically past Ulreich.Dortmund's lead lasted only six minutes as two stars of Germany's triumphant Confederations Cup campaign combined.

Sebastian Rudy lifted a raking pass over the home defence and Kimmich – amid suspicions of offside later absolved by VAR – tore around teenager Dan-Axel Zagadou and supplied a low cross for Lewandowski to net an eighth goal against his former club.

Gonzalo Castro might have restored Dortmund's advantage but Ulreich was equal to his flicked finish after fine work from Mahmoud Dahoud.Opposite number Burki reacted brilliantly to thwart Thomas Muller at close quarters but was grateful to see a header from the Germany forward spin to safety off his left-hand post 10 minutes before the interval – Kimmich again having caused having havoc, with Bayern's early struggles a fading memory.

Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told Eurosport before the match that Ousmane Dembele was worth more than €100million but the reported Barcelona target turned in an ineffective first-half performance and sliced a volley woefully wide in the 48th minute.Bayern newboy Corentin Tolisso was unable to find the elevation to beat Burki midway through an often-scrappy second half before some rare indecision from Lewandowski in the area was instantly punished by Dortmund.

The Poland star elected to square after breaking free of the defence and, having snuffed out the chance, Bosz’s men broke in lethal fashion – substitute Rode fed Dembele, whose pass was perfectly weighted for Aubameyang to lift an impeccable finish into the top corner.

There was a late twist as full-time approached when Kimmich's shot ricocheted over the line via Burki and the Dortmund man would not be the goalkeeper celebrating at the end.