Bayern Munich beat Aston Villa in Hong Kong before UEFA Super Cup

Bayern Munich completed their Asian pre-season tour with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Friday, with Luis Diaz scoring on his debut for the German side and earning the player-of-the-match award.

The match was played as part of the Audi Football Summit, as Bayern continued their preparations for the new season. The Bundesliga club controlled much of the contest, particularly during the first half, using an aggressive high-pressing approach to limit Aston Villa’s opportunities.

Bayern took the lead in the 37th minute when South Korea defender Kim Min-jae headed in a free-kick delivered by Tom Bischof. The goal rewarded Bayern’s strong start and gave them a deserved advantage before half-time.

Aston Villa faced sustained pressure for long periods, although Bayern also used the fixture to give minutes to several important players and footballers returning from injury. The German side maintained control after the break and eventually doubled their lead with 16 minutes remaining.

Diaz produced the decisive moment in the 74th minute, finishing with an excellent strike after receiving a pass from Arijon Ibrahimovic. The Colombia international’s contribution secured Bayern’s second goal and saw him recognised as the outstanding player of the match.

Aston Villa responded in the closing stages. Joao Gomes reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute, setting up a tense finish and giving the English club hope of salvaging a result from their final pre-season fixture.

However, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer preserved his side’s lead with an important late intervention. He made an excellent save to deny Tammy Abraham after the striker had gone through one-on-one, ensuring Bayern held on until the final whistle.

The victory brings Bayern’s Asian tour to a close. They are due to return to Munich on Saturday before facing RB Leipzig in another friendly at the Allianz Arena on 15 August.

For Aston Villa, the defeat was their final warm-up match before a major competitive fixture against Paris Saint-Germain. Villa will meet the French club in the UEFA Super Cup next Wednesday at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.

Bayern’s performance in Hong Kong provided a positive conclusion to their preparations in Asia, while Aston Villa will now turn their attention to the meeting with the UEFA Champions League holders. The result also gave Bayern momentum ahead of their return to Germany, where their preparations will continue against RB Leipzig.