Bayern Munich’s new manager Vincent Kompany tasted victory in his first real test, as his side edged past Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a pre-season friendly played in Seoul. Goals from Gabriel Vidovic and Leon Goretzka secured the win for Bayern, who played some mesmerizing football at times. The match, a sell-out at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium, was a spectacle for the fans, many of whom were wearing replicas of Son Heung-min’s Tottenham shirt and Bayern’s Korean defender Kim Min-jae’s jersey.
While Son Heung-min was rested after leading England to the final of Euro 2024, there was a reunion of sorts for former Tottenham teammates Eric Dier and Son, who were seen chatting before kick-off. Bayern took the lead early on when Vidovic slotted the ball through Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s legs after a clever pass from Serge Gnabry. Bayern continued to dominate possession and Goretzka doubled their lead after half-time, making it 2-0.
Tottenham, however, did not give up and pulled one back through a thunderous strike from Pedro Porro in the 66th minute. The goal sparked a surge from Spurs, who created a number of chances to equalize. However, they were unable to find the back of the net, ultimately falling to defeat.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou admitted that his players were visibly fatigued after a long pre-season tour in Japan and South Korea. “Fair to say the players were showing the effects of us working hard here for 10 days,” he said. “I think we’ll get an enormous benefit from the camp we’ve done here though, but tonight we perhaps just paid the price for it.”
The match provided a glimpse into the growing popularity of football in South Korea, with fans thrilled to see the likes of Son and Kim playing in their home country. “Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae are now playing for foreign teams as South Koreans,” said Kim Jae-woong, a 24-year-old football fan. “The fact that these players can play in their own country, in South Korea today, makes me feel good as a fellow Korean.”
The two teams will face each other again at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in north London on August 10. Tottenham’s Premier League season starts with a trip to Leicester City on August 19, while Bayern opens its Bundesliga campaign against Wolfsburg on August 25.
