Bayern show class in easy win over Raja

It was one-way traffic as Bayern dominated the Moroccan team at AspireBayern Munich’s youngsters finally delivered a performance worthy of their illustrious name, lighting up Aspire Zone with a 5-1 victory over a Raja Casablanca at the under-17 Al Kass International Cup, yesterday. Heading into the game, it was a case of what might have been for both sides. Raja had suffered a narrow reverse to PSV in the opening match of the tournament, and then fallen short to Aspire Academy the following day.Bayern, meanwhile, were one of the pre-tournament favourites. They had narrowly avoided snatching a last-gasp draw in their opener against Red Bull Salzburg, before throwing everything they got at Kawhiwa Reysol’s backline in a doomed attempt to overcome an inspired Japanese backline.But last night, the Germans instantly made it clear that they had put previous disappointments behind them, as they took the lead after just 20 seconds. Franck Evina was set free down the left wing and his low cross found Progon Maloku at the near post, who slotted home from close range. Bayern doubled their lead just two minutes later, with Maloku again on target, intercepting a back-pass and rounding the keeper before calmly picking his spot to deliver a 2-0 advantage.Shell-shocked following Munich’s early onslaught, Raja struggled to retain their composure, and it was to their enormous credit that they managed to keep their shape and repel a wave of attacks on goal. Still, it was one-way traffic for the rest of the half as Bayern persistently worked to extend their lead. In the 25th minute they succeeded, when Maloku sent in a high cross from the right that Evina steered home with a pinpoint header into the top left corner. With the game less than half an hour old, it was already clear that Raja had it all to do if they were to avoid a drubbing.But in the 33rd minute the deficit increased to four goals. Bayern were awarded a free kick to the left of the penalty area, and Maloku rose highest to connect with the cross. Keeper Aymane Moubsir did well to keep the powerful header out, but he could not hold onto the ball, and a goalmouth melee ended with Marcel Zylla firing home.  The second half got underway and, almost immediately, Raja were enjoying a rare foray into opposition territory. They may even have got a goal back when central defender Mohammed Naim rose highest to meet a corner, but his header was smartly saved by the Bayern keeper Maurice Koenig.However, 10 minutes later Koenig was at fault when he played the ball out to midfielder Rainer Dalmeida, who was instantly closed down and robbed by the alert Iliass Hallal. The Moroccan midfielder looked up and, seeing the keeper out of position, took a pot shot that nestled in the left of the net. Raja’s players responded, and feisty challenges began to fly in as Bayern were belatedly made aware that they had a game on their hands. Suddenly, there was little to separate the sides in terms of effort and tenacity, as Casablanca began to play with greater cohesion. But, despite the spirited efforts of the Raja faithful and their young players, normal service was soon resumed as Bayern began to re-assert their previous dominance. And, with 15 minutes remaining it was 5-1 after substitute midfielder Can Karatas advanced into the area and played a neat one-two with Marin Pudic before firing home from eight yards.