In what was a thrilling match that saw three lead changes, AC Milan defeated Bayern Munich 5-3 on penalty kicks to earn another preseason win.
FC Bayern takes the lead thanks to their stars
The German Giants started out in typical Bayern Munich fashion. Controlling possession and setting the tempo of the game early. AC Milan showed that they were not scared of Bayern, winning three corners in the first ten minutes of the game. Mbaye Niang, who was starting in place for Carlos Bacca, helped Milan win a couple of corners. Alessio Romagnoli had a chance near the side of the net after a corner bounced around the box. But his second shot was weak and was blocked. A bizarre moment occurred off another corner for Milan when a header seemed to go right over Bayern keeper Sven Ulreich. But Niang touched the ball right before it went past the net and the flag was raised for offsides. If Niang didn't touch the ball, the goal would have surely been given.
Bayern almost took the lead in the 19th minute when Holger Badstuber forced a good save by AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. His central defensive partner Javi Martinez had a chance as well, with his header going just wide of the right post. It looked to be that Bayern Munich was in control until a defensive lapse changed all that. In the 23rd minute, Badstuber slipped while trying to receive a pass and it allowed Niang to run right past him. Niang found himself one on one with the keeper and slid it past him into the right corner. It was a short-lived lead for AC Milan however. Munich started putting on the pressure right after the goal, with David Alaba and Franck Ribery creating good chances and forcing Milan back. In the 29th minute, Alaba found Ribery right inside the top of the box. The Frenchmen brought down the pass and smashed a half-volley right into the bottom left corner of Donnarumma's net. Alaba also got into the scoring action in the 39th minute. He took the ball about 25 yards out and left out an absolute rocket into the right corner of the net. It was another great goal by Bayern Munich by the two best players on the pitch.
Milan completes second half comeback
It didn't take long for AC Milan to get back into the game. After a cross was bounced around in the box for quite a while, Andrea Bertolacci hit a great volley that smashed the back of the net. The goal gave Milan a lifeline back into the game. They create chances in front of Bayern's net and looked very confident on the ball. Xabi Alonso almost gave Bayern the lead right after when his effort from outside the box went just wide of the left post. But it was AC Milan who ended up taking the lead off a weird goal. Substitute Juraj Kucka hit a shot from about 30 yards out that looked like a simple save. But it took a wicked deflection and Ulreich had no chance as the ball went right past him. Milan almost added an insurance goal in the 81st minute when a header off a set piece went just high over the bar.
FC Bayern forces penalties with 90th-minute goal but Milan has the last laugh
FC Bayern kept up the pressure and they were rewarded in the 89th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Ribery stepped up and buried the shot past the keeper. Tying up the game at the death. The three minutes of added time saw both teams with great chances but ultimately nobody could find the game-winning goal. Due to ICC rules, we headed straight to penalty kicks.
The first seven penalty kicks were made until Rafinha stepped up and had his shot saved by Donarumma, who was diving to his right.
In the end, AC Milan earned their second straight preseason victory to begin the campaign 2-0.