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Even with eleven World Cup players yet to return, Bayern dominated VfL Wolfsburg in a 3-0 victory to win their second consecutive Telekom Cup.
New additions Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Rode provided the scoring, Bayern getting three goals in the first half. It was Rode's first goal of the preseason as Lewandowski collects his fourth goal in three matches.
"We played very well. We need to continue like this. If everyone is healthy and fit, I think we will play a great season," said Franck Ribery, who wore the captain's armband.
It was Ribéry who picked out Lewandowski's head for the first goal of the match, the frenchman blowing past Naldo on the right side before unleashing his cross. The Polish striker knocked the ball near post before Max Grün could react on the goal line.
The Telekom Cup final is underway & Robert Lewandowski is scoring for #FCBayern once again. http://t.co/PM8pAMArEz. #WOBFCB
— Bundesliga Spotlight (@BundesligaSpot) July 27, 2014
Rode, playing in midfield for the second consecutive match, made another terrific run just ten minutes later. An interchange with Claudio Pizarro gave him the space he needed to slot the ball far post.
Was für eine Tor-Premiere für Sebastian #Rode! #FCBWOB #telekomcup https://t.co/9zyHfbsgdr
— Bundesliga Latest (@BL_Latest) July 27, 2014
Unlike the semifinals, Bayern were able to add to their 2-0 lead to ensure their victory. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, starting on the right flank, made a run into the middle and pushed the ball to Lewandowski outside the 18-yard box. With Robin Knoche unable to keep up, Lewandowski wound up and hooked the ball into the far corner.
3-0 Lewandowski http://t.co/qKb32mH6OH
— Bayern & Germany (@BayernMunchenF1) July 27, 2014
Pep Guardiola lined-up his squad once again in a back-five, David Alaba tucking in between Juan Bernat and Holger Badstuber as a third center back. Højbjerg took the place of Rafinha, who eventually came on for Badstuber in the second half. Reserve players Angelos Oikonomou, Lukas Scholl and Tobias Schweinsteiger came on late in the second half as well.
In the six years of the Telekom Cup, Bayern now hold a third of the trophies and are the only club to win the preseason tournament twice. Their next action will be in Harrison, New Jersey when they take on Chivas Guadalajara in Red Bull Arena on July 31.