Sancho leads Dortmund to German Supercup

DORTMUND, Germany (AP):

Jadon Sancho starred as Borussia Dortmund beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the season-opening German Supercup yesterday.

Sancho scored one goal and brilliantly set up Paco Alcacer for the other as Dortmund secured a morale-boosting victory over their old rivals and delivered a statement of intent for the season ahead.

“We know that we still have a tall task ahead of us for the championship,” Dortmund team official Sebastian Kehl said.

Dortmund are bidding to end Bayern’s unprecedented seven-year reign as German champions and significantly boosted their squad with summer signings, though only Nico Schulz was able to start as injuries took their toll.

SPARKLING PERFORMANCE

Instead it was left to Sancho to carry on where he left off last season as the 19-year-old England forward produced another sparkling performance.

“All the defenders, even Bayern’s defenders, when he has the ball at his feet, they’re a little bit afraid,” Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel said. “Jadon has a lot of quality. He’s really fast. Technically, he’s very good. He can score, make passes, so he’s really complete.”

Alcacer broke the deadlock after the break, all thanks to Sancho. He eluded three Bayern defenders then played the ball through Niklas Süle’s legs for Alcacer to sweep it inside the right post.Bayern sought a response and were only denied through desperate defending, with Marwin Hitz saving and Manuel Akanji blocking on the line before the ball was cleared away.

Sancho then struck on a counterattack in the 69th after Guerreiro played the ball over the Bayern defence. The young forward stayed calm before slotting the ball through Neuer’s legs.

Of all Dortmund’s summer signings, only Schulz could play. Mats Hummels was denied a quick reunion with his former Bayern team-mates due to muscular problems, Julian Brandt was out with a groin problem, Thorgan Hazard with an ankle injury, and Mateu Morey with a shoulder injury. Goalkeeper Roman Bürki was also out.