City clinch first win of preseason in superb style

Manchester City mounted a magnificent comeback to secure a 3-2 win over Bayern Munich.

After defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s men finished on a high as a valiant turnaround ensured the Sky Blues didn’t end preseason with zero wins.

A Bernardo Silva-inspired City looked a far more dangerous prospect in the second half. Bayern Munich, who have also completed their International Champions Cup campaign, couldn’t build on their electric start.

Youngster Meritan Shabani powered in a header before Arjen Robben latched onto a sumptuous Franck Ribery pass to give the Bavarians a solid start.

But Manchester City, without Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva at kick off, finally looked similar to last season and strung together some ravishing football to test Bayern.

When Silva came off the bench just short of the half hour mark, the Sky Blues transformed.

The Portuguese spurred the comeback in first half stoppage time. His daring run through the heart of the Bayern defence tore the German champions open, and a drilled finish into the bottom corner capped off a move we haven’t seen from City in a long while.

The entire team became sprightlier after Silva’s audacious moment. Six minutes after the restart, youthful forward Lukas Nmecha pounced on Bayern keeper Sven Ulreich’s error, slotting in from close range.

And it was only apt the man who started off the ambitious turnaround should conclude it. Bernardo Silva, once again, terrorised the Bavarian rearguard and squeezed a shot beyond Ulreich at his near post.

It was refreshing to watch Manchester City rally for the first time this campaign. Though it seemed as if the Sky Blues were staring down the barrel of a third defeat, plenty of commendable play means they have a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Community Shield next Sunday.

Bernardo Silva proved just how important he is to the side in his first involvement, and Lukas Nmecha will certainly remember his moment early in the second period.

Perhaps Manchester City were unlucky not to come away with more versus Liverpool, however this victory more than makes up for it.

Chelsea are on the horizon for Pep Guardiola’s side, and whether many of these youngsters will feature is a question set to be debated over the coming week.