Bayern Munich warmed up for the second half of their season in style, securing a 5-0 win over Belgian side KAS Eupen at the Aspire yesterday.
The German champions started off on a slow note, only managing to score a solitary goal in the first half. But in the second half, coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced some young players, with midfielder Fabian Benko making the most of the opportunity to score twice.
After a week-long training in Doha, Ancelotti chose to field a strong starting XI against the Belgian side, including Mats Hummels, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Robert Lewandowski.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who flew to Zurich on Monday for the FIFA awards, was missing in action. So did Thiago Alcantara, who was sent home after injuring his thigh, and David Alaba sat out because of a cold.
Expectedly Bayern players took it easy in the first half, making sure they don’t pick an injury ahead of their Bundesliga match against in ten days’ time.
KAS Eupen, owned by the Aspire, did impress a lot making it hard for the Bayern superstars. However, Hummels broke Eupen’s resistance by scoring from close range late in the first half.
Ancelotti made seven changes to his line-up at half-time, and the Bavarians doubled their lead early in the second half. Promising youngster Benko found the net in the 49th minute.
Bayern continued to dominate and it was Arturo Vidal who added a third in 67th minute, before Douglas Costa made it 4-0 six minutes later after rounding off the goalkeeper.
The 18-year-old Benko completed a fine substitute cameo, when he scored again in the 83rd minute.