Bayern Munich were made to work hard by Al Ahly before the German giants eventually prevailed over their stubborn Egyptian opponents 2-0 to enter the final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday.
At the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium, Robert Lewandowski struck a goal in each half as the European champions Bayern set-up a title clash against Mexico’s Tigres, which will be played at the same venue on Thursday.
On Sunday, Tigres had created history by becoming the first CONCACAF team to reach the final of the global showpiece with a 1-0 win over Palmeiras. If Ahly had harboured any such hopes, the African champions were quickly brought down to earth by an electric start from Bayern.
After a long period of dominance for Bayern, Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a fine finish from close range. But Ahly to their credit held their own and stayed in the contest, until a 85th minute header from Lewandowski shattered their dreams.
Bayern – who are playing in the Club World Cup for the first time since 2013 when they had also won the title – are chasing a record-equalling sixth title of the season. After winning the Bundesliga, DFB Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and DFL Supercup in 2020, the team are now looking to become only the second European club after Barcelona in 2009 to win six trophies in a year by adding the Club World Cup to their collection.
Hence, Hansi Flick started with a full-strength side making three changes from Bayern’s win at Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga on Friday. Jerome Boateng replaced Niklas Sule at centre-back, while Alphonso Davies returned in place of Lucas Hernandez at left-back. Marc Roca was a surprise inclusion to partner Joshua Kimmich in midfield, with Leroy Sane dropping to the bench.
Right from the kick-off, Bayer were all over Ahly and should have had gone ahead in the seventh minute but Serge Gnabry’s header sailed over the bar. With Lewandowski and Thomas Mueller lurking in the box, Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy was right on his toes and had to make couple of crucial saves.
But it didn’t take long for the Germans to go ahead with FIFA best player of 2020 Lewandowski putting them in front. After Benjamin Pavard's cross found Kinglsey Coman in the box, the French midfielder picked up Gnabry at the far post. Gnabry instead of shooting laid it to the feet of unmarked Lewandowski, who took a touch and fired it into the net.
Thereafter, it looked like it would open the floodgates for Bayern but Ahly settled into the game and had their first chance in the 21st minute. Mohamed Hany put in a fine cross to Taher Mohamed but the winger’s header lacked the power and was comfortably collected by Manuel Neuer.
After a brief lull, Bayern cranked up the pressure again and could have had at least two or three goals. But Lewandowski, the tireless Kimmich and Davies all spurned chances as Bayern had only a solitary goal to show despite all the domination.
Post-break, Ahly came with much more positive approach with striker Kahraba creating a couple of opportunities, albeit not troubling Neuer much. Bayern, though, continuing to enjoy the possession could not penetrate Ahly’s deep defence.
With clock ticking over, there was no late drama as Bayern put the contest beyond Ahly in the 88th minute. Substitute Leroy Sane hooked a cross from the right flank with an unmarked Lewandowski heading home the easiest of the chances.
