Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich during their pre-season tour in Japan, with goals coming from James McAtee (20) and Aymeric Laporte (29). This marked the European champions’ second win of the tour.
Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel scored the lone goal for his team, as they sought to avenge their 4-1 aggregate loss to City in last season’s Champions League quarter-finals.
In the intense heat at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, both teams took some time to size each other up during the opening 15 minutes of the match.
Leroy Sane, who played for both Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the past, showed skill and attempted to set up Jamal Musiala in the 17th minute, but Nathan Ake’s block denied the scoring chance.
Shortly after, Sane struck a powerful free-kick from 25 yards out, only to be denied by the crossbar.
James McAtee, who had a successful loan spell at Sheffield United last season, opened the scoring for Manchester City in the 21st minute, giving them an early lead in the match.
The lively Rico Lewis broke into the Bayern penalty area and tee up Julian Alvarez, but after goalkeeper Yann Sommer saved the Argentinian’s low strike at full stretch the 20-year-old McAtee tapped the rebound into the unguarded net.
Thomas Tuchel sent out an entirely different XI for the second half, while City manager Guardiola opted to make eight half-time changes.
Water breaks were also enforced midway through each half in the sweltering heat in the Japanese capital.
Tel levelled for Bayern with nine minutes to play, converting a rebound from close range after City goalkeeper Ederson had denied Paul Wanner.
Laporte restored City’s lead five minutes later, tucking home neatly after Phil Foden nudged a rebound into his path.