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Renato Sanches, Bayern Munich Come Back to Defeat PSG 3-1 at 2018 ICC
July 21, 2018
Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the 2018 International Champions Cup at the Worthersee Stadion in Austria on Saturday.
Timothy Weah opened the scoring on 31 minutes for PSG, but Bayern Munich hit back after the break with Javi Martinez equalising from an Arjen Robben corner.
Renato Sanches then fired Bayern ahead with a superb free-kick from the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder curled the ball around the wall and past goalkeeper Remy Descamps.
Joshua Zirkzee made the game safe with just over 10 minutes remaining, as he tucked home a cross from Serge Gnabry on the half-volley.
Sanches Ready To Resurrect Bayern Career
Sanches is back at Bayern Munich after a difficult spell in the Premier League with Swansea City. The midfielder made just nine starts for the Swans, and his season was ended prematurely by injury.
The 20-year-old has plenty to prove back at Bayern, and his brilliant goal showed he might just be ready to resurrect his career at the Allianz Arena.
It was a composed performance from Sanches, who played well throughout the game. He looked confident in possession and passed the ball well.
New manager Niko Kovac has said he's willing to give Sanches a chance, as shown by Goal:
Sanches has struggled since signing for Bayern in 2016 after starring for Benfica and for Portugal at UEFA Euro 2016. He has so far been unable to reproduce the form that made him one of the most in-demand youngsters in Europe.
His potential is evident, and if Kovac can coax him back to his best form, then Bayern have a player who can dominate the Bundesliga for a long time.
Robben Proves He Still Has Role to Play At Bayern
Robben signed a new one-year deal at Bayern Munich in May, which could be his last at the club. The Dutchman celebrated his 34th birthday in January and is heading toward the end of a long and distinguished career.
However, he showed on Saturday that he still has a role to play at the club. He was a threat at set-pieces, and his corner supplied Bayern's equaliser.
Jonathan Johnson at ESPN FC praised his delivery:
Age and injuries mean Robben is not quite the player he used to be, but he still possesses bags of experience, pace, skill on the ball and an eye for goal.
His creativity and goal threat ensure he is still a dangerous attacker and can help Bayern as they battle for trophies at home and in Europe next season.
Will Weah Force His Way Into Tuchel's Plans?
PSG fielded a young side, and goalscorer Weah impressed. The teenager showed his pace to latch onto a through ball and hold off the attentions of his defender before firing home clinically.
Squawka Football showed how he compared to his famous father:
Weah managed just three Ligue 1 appearances last season for PSG but will be hoping for more game time under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
The club did not lack for attacking talent with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Edinson Cavani around, but the trio's absence from the tour due to their FIFA 2018 World Cup exploits has offered Weah the chance to impress.
The goal will give the 18-year-old confidence, and if he can continue to find the back of the net in pre-season, he will give Tuchel plenty to think about.