Martinez hands Bayern ‘dream’ Super Cup victory
BUDAPEST: Veteran midfielder Javi Martinez admitted it was “a dream” to be able to write more Uefa Super Cup history for Bayern Munich on Thursday as his header in extra time sealed a 2-1 win over Sevilla.
Having equalised with a crucial 120th-minute goal seven years ago when Bayern won the 2013 Super Cup on penalties against Chelsea in Prague, Martinez struck on 104 minutes at the Puskas Arena to hand the Champions League winners a fourth title in 2020.
There were a smattering of travelling Bayern and Sevilla fans among the 15,180 crowd in Budapest as both clubs played for the first time in front of spectators since the Covid-19 pandemic first hit Europe in March.
After Lucas Ocampos converted an early penalty for Sevilla, Leon Goretzka equalised for Bayern, who had two second-half goals disallowed before substitute Martinez, 32, struck from a late corner.
Bayern head coach Hansi Flick praised his team for “pulling through with their mentality. In the end, my players went through the pain barrier to win.”
Having replaced Goretzka on 99 minutes, it was Martinez — linked to a return to Spain after losing his firstteam place — whose header extends Bayern’s winning streak to 23 games dating back to February. “Whenever I wear the Bayern shirt, I always try to give my best and I showed that once again today,” Martinez told Sky.
“I always want to help the team by scoring a goal. It’s a dream come true.
“I’m really happy to win this trophy for a second time after also scoring in 2013.”
After also sweeping the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League trophies, Bayern can win a fifth title this year when they host Borussia Dortmund in Munich for the German Super Cup on Wednesday.
Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic said Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made the difference with two superb late saves to deny Youssef En-Nesyri.
“We saw tonight how important Neuer is for them,” said Rakitic.