FC Bayern triumphs in first encounter with Lyon, securing a debut victory
In the first summer test for Bayern Munich, a pre-season friendly against Olympique Lyon, new signing Luis Diaz made a promising debut, playing 45 minutes as a substitute. Diaz recorded an assist by winning a penalty that Michael Olise converted and created three significant scoring chances, demonstrating his speed, intensity, and team play [1].
The match, which took place in Munich, ended with a 2:1 victory for Bayern Munich (0:0 at half-time). Michael Olise extended Bayern Munich's lead to 2:0 in the 62nd minute, and Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez scored a goal for Olympique Lyon in the 83rd minute, reducing the score to 2:1. The match was attended by 34,500 spectators in the half-full Allianz Arena [2].
Diaz's performance impressed teammates Harry Kane and Joshua Kimmich, with Kane emphasizing Diaz's effectiveness and expected contribution to the team this season [1]. However, Diaz failed to score against Olympique Lyon goalkeepers Remy Descamps and Mathieu Patouillet in the pouring rain [4].
Regarding injury updates, there is no publicly reported injury information about Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who had been out for a significant portion of the second half of the previous season due to Pfeiffer's gland fever, and a metatarsal fracture in the first half of the season, as well as a fracture of the eye socket in training and subsequent surgery [5].
It's worth noting that João Palhinha, who had been a member of Bayern Munich, was not in the squad for the friendly match against Olympique Lyon. The clubs have agreed on a loan deal for Palhinha to join Tottenham Hotspur, and he is expected to be Bayern Munich's opponent in their next test match [6].
Diaz's integration into the team is aided by forming a good friendship with Kimmich, who speaks Spanish, helping overcome any language barriers that Diaz initially faced when joining Bayern from Liverpool [3].
Sources:
[1] BBC Sport
[2] ESPN
[3] The Athletic
[4] Goal
[5] Sky Sports
[6] Transfermarkt
Diaz's promising debut in the pre-season friendly against Olympique Lyon, which included an assist for Bayern Munich's second goal, showcased his skills in European leagues, particularly in the Premier League, considering his previous stint at Liverpool. Moreover, the upcoming Test match against Totten Hotspur, with João Palhinha on their ranks, could offer Diaz an opportunity to score against a goalkeeper, improving on his performance against Olympique Lyon's Remy Descamps and Mathieu Patouillet.
