Ruthless Bayern thrash Frankfurt 6-1 in Bundesliga season opener

BERLIN, Aug. 6  — Reigning champions Bayern Munich started successfully into the season after trouncing Eintracht Frankfurt 6-1 in the curtain raiser of the 60th Bundesliga season on Friday.
The German record champions caught a perfect start on the road as Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick stunned the “Eagles” with just five minutes gone.
Bayern increased the pressure and made it 2-0 six minutes later when Benjamin Pavard drilled the ball past Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp following a rebound.
The hosts almost halved the deficit after a run of play, but Tuta’s header rattled the woodwork moments later.
Bayern squandered a golden chance as Thomas Muller missed the open goal following Serge Gnabry’s square pass in the 23rd minute.
Frankfurt remained wasteful at the other end of the pitch as well after Jesper Lindstrom couldn’t overcome Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from very close after a solo run 26 minutes into the game.
Bayern eventually made it three at the half-hour mark when Gnabry had all time and space to chip the ball into the path of new arrival Sadio Mane, who nodded the ball past Trapp.
The visitors gained momentum and overran Frankfurt to establish a five-goal advantage in the closing stages of the first half as Jamal Musiala latched onto Muller’s square pass before Gnabry finished off a fast break.
After the restart, Bayern allowed Frankfurt to pull one back at the hour mark when Randal Kolo Muani benefitted from a moment of madness from Neuer.
Both sides traded attacks but Bayern wasn’t done with the scoring and restored their five-goal lead through Musiala, who wrapped up his brace to see off hapless Frankfurt.
“Bayern was too good today. We played way too wild and gave Bayern too much space. Bayern showed no mercy and punished us,” said Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner.
“I think we played an outstanding first half. With five goals behind, we took the feet off the gas. Eleven goals in two games speak for themselves,” said Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann.    (Xinhua)