Bayern Munich landed 2017 DFL-Supercup after beating Borussia Dortmund on penalties at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday night.
Robert Lewandowski cancelled out an early Christian Pulisic strike to leave the two teams level at the break, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted 20 minutes from time to send Dortmund ahead once again.
Bayern levelled in the 88th minute through an own goal from Lukasz Piszczek, however, before Carlo Ancelotti's side won the resulting shootout 5-4.
Relive Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole brings you live coverage from the Signal-Iduna-Park in Dortmund as German Cup holders Borussia Dortmund face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup. The 2017-18 Bundesliga season does not start for another two weeks, but there is significant silverware on offer tonight. Stay tuned for all of the action from what should be a great game!
Right, with time very much of the essence, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news. Have both managers selected full-strength XIs? Let's run through the two teams...
TEAMS!
BVB: Burki; Piszczek, Bartra, Sokratis, Zagadou; Dahoud, Castro, Sahin; Pulisic, Aubameyang, Dembele
BAYERN: Ulreich; Rafinha, Hummels, Martinez, Kimmich; Rudy, Vidal, Tolisso; Ribery, Lewandowski, Muller
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele both start for Dortmund tonight, while there is also a spot in the team for American international Christian Pulisic. French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou makes his competitive debut for Dortmund following a summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, and there is also a debut for Mahmoud Dahoud. It is a very, very exciting Dortmund XI.
As for Bayern, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery will start as the front three in a 4-3-3 formation. There are competitive debuts for Corentin Tolisso and Sebastian Rudy in midfield, while Rafinha and Joshua Kimmich will start in the full-back positions. Renato Sanches, who has been strongly linked with an exit this summer, is on the bench alongside Kingsley Coman.
So there we have it. The team news is in and we are now just about 20 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Dortmund. As mentioned, this will be the fifth time in the last six years that these two clubs have met in the German Super Cup. Dortmund lifted the trophy in both 2013 and 2014, but Bayern are the holders of the competition after a 2-0 victory in this stadium last season.
Both teams have won the German Super Cup on five occasions, however, with Dortmund landing the crown in 1989, 1995, 1996, 2013 and 2013. Dortmund secured their spot in the showpiece event after beating Bayern 3-2 in the final of the DFB Pokal in April. Bayern, meanwhile, landed their 27th Bundesliga title last season to ensure that they would play in the competition.
Dortmund recorded a 1-0 win over Bayern when the pair met in the Bundesliga in this stadium last season, but Bayern finished 18 points clear of third-place Dortmund in Germany's top flight last term. It was a difficult season for Dortmund in the league, but they did land the German Cup, and will be looking to get one over on their rivals here ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign.
Bayern will start their 2017-18 Bundesliga campaign at home to Bayer Leverkusen on August 18, while Dortmund's league season will begin away to Wolfsburg on August 19. Both of these teams will be in German Cup action before that, however, with Dortmund travelling to Rielasingen-Arlen next weekend, while Bayern face a trip to Chemnitzer FC. It is a busy time for the two clubs.
It would be fair to say that neither Dortmund nor Bayern will enter this match in the best of form. Granted, it is still pre-season, but Dortmund have lost 1-0 to Espanyol and Atalanta in their last two friendly matches. Bayern, meanwhile, have only won once during pre-season – suffering defeats to Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Napoli. Kickoff here is now just 10 minutes away!
Worryingly for Bayern, Carlo Ancelotti's side have not scored in four of their last five matches. They have lost 4-0 to Milan, 2-0 to Inter Milan, 3-0 to Liverpool and 2-0 to Napoli during pre-season, although the German champions did record a 3-2 win over Chelsea towards the end of last month.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff tonight. Fixtures between these two teams are always special, and let's hope for another classic match here!
KICKOFF! Bayern kick things off tonight...
... it must be said that the atmosphere inside this stadium is just wonderful. This trophy is not a priority for either Dortmund or Bayern this season, but both clubs will be desperate to win.
Neither side has really taken control of the possession inside the opening three minutes, although Dortmund have played more passes in a defensive area. You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Bayern have struggled for goals in pre-season.
Decent strike from Sahin, but the midfielder's long-range effort is just wide of the post.
Good pressure from Dortmund in the last 60 seconds or so as Aubameyang chases down Bayern goalkeeper Ulreich. Dortmund then win a free kick in an advanced area, but the danger is cleared.
It must be said that the opening seven minutes of this match have flown past. Neither goalkeeper has been worked, but Dortmund have been the more dangerous team in the final third of the field. Bayern are yet to really feed the likes of Lewandowski, Ribery and Muller in dangerous positions.
Dortmund continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field, with Bayern having to sit deep and defend their own penalty box. The German champions eventually manage to break through Ribery, but the Frenchman is ruled offside in a very dangerous area from Dortmund's point of view.
CHANCE! Super chance for Bayern as Kimmich's wonderful pass finds Lewandowski inside the Dortmund box, but the Pole can only fire his effort over the crossbar!
GOAL! Dortmund 1-0 Bayern (Pulisic)
Dortmund lead! Terrible mistake from Martinez as the Bayern centre-back is caught in possession by Pulisic, and the American races through on goal before slotting his effort into the corner!
SAVE! Excellent goalkeeping from Burki, who turns a deflected Ribery effort wide of the post! The offside flag is raised, however, as Vidal made a movement towards the ball.
GOAL! Dortmund 1-1 Bayern (Lewandowski)
We are all square here as Lewandowski, of course, turns a low Kimmich cross into the bottom corner of the net. It just had to be him, and Bayern are level in the German Super Cup final.
It must be said that the opening 21 minutes of this match have flown past. It has been wonderful entertainment, with both teams contributing to a brilliant match. Dortmund will feel that they deserved to take the lead, but Bayern were extremely impressive in the period that followed Pulisic's goal.
All Bayern at the moment as the German champions pass and probe in the final third.
Couple of half-chances for Dortmund in quick succession, but Dahoud has his shot blocked, before Castro finds the arms of Bayern's goalkeeper. You just cannot take your eyes off this one.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining here, and we are level at 1-1. Pulisic sent Dortmund ahead with a composed finish, before Lewandowski levelled the scores from close range. Neither team is really in control of the match, but Bayern are certainly enjoying more of the ball here.
Ribery looks to turn inside the Dortmund box after collecting a cross from Rafinha, but Bartra is on hand to make the clearance. All Bayern at the moment in terms of possession and threat.
SAVE! Excellent goalkeeping from Burki as the Dortmund stopper keeps out a close-range effort from Muller, who had cleverly turned a Ribery cross towards goal. Brilliant Burki!
Dortmund are just not threatening at the moment as Bayern continue to look the side more likely to take the lead here. We have not seen much from Dembele in the opening 34 minutes of this match.
POST! Another super chance for Bayern as Muller meets a cross from Kimmich, but the German's header hits the outside of the post. Dortmund are really struggling at the moment.
Dortmund could do with the half-time break here. Bosz's side started very well, but Bayern have been dominant for some time now, and it seems only a matter of time before the Bundesliga champions take the lead. Ribery in particular is having an impressive game for Bayern tonight.
Half-chance for Bayern as Tolisso meets a deep cross from Ribery, but his header is wide. Difficult moment for young Dortmund defender Zagadou, who wanted no part of Tolisso there.
Penalty shout for Bayern as Lewandowski goes down inside the Dortmund box under pressure from Sokratis, who has already been booked, but the referee is not interested. It has been one-way traffic for some time now, and Bartra is forced to turn behind after Muller had broken wide.
SAVE! Burki is down to keep out a long-range strike from Rudy.
Just the one additional minute at the end of the first period here.
HALF-TIME: Dortmund 1-1 Bayern
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Dortmund took the lead in the 12th minute when Pulisic found the bottom corner with a composed finish, but Bayern levelled six minutes later through Lewandowski. In truth, Bayern should be ahead after dominating the first half for long spells, but Dortmund have managed to survive a second goal.
STATISTICS! Bayern have shaded the first-half possession with 52%, while the German champions managed seven shots - three of which were on target. Dortmund, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their three attempts in the first 45 minutes. Just the one yellow card - Sokratis (17 min).
BENCH WATCH! Kingsley Coleman is the obvious attacking options off the Bayern bench, but Renato Sanches, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena this summer, is also in reserve tonight. As for Dortmund, head coach Bosz has the likes of Isak, Rode and Philipp in reserve. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive.
RESTART! Dortmund resume the action here...
... DORTMUND SUB! Rode has replaced Dahoud at the interval.
If Dortmund are to overcome Bayern tonight, then you do feel that Dembele has to have a strong second period. The Frenchman really struggled in the first half, but he has the talent to cause Bayern all sorts of problems. Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period here.
Speaking of Dembele, Sahin has just picked out the attacker from a deep position, but he could only turn wide of the post. It was barely a half-chance, but it was some pass from Sahin.
Much better from Dortmund at the moment as BVB continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Bayern have not really started this second half, with Ancelotti's side sitting back for now.
BOOKING! Zagadou (Dortmund) is booked for an elbow on Tolisso.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football in the last few minutes, but there is no question that Dortmund are the better side at the moment. Bayern are going through the motions.
Super work from Ribery in a wide position as the Frenchman jinks and jinks again before delivering a cross, but Bartra is on hand to turn behind. Still 1-1 with 57 minutes on the clock here.
Dortmund have a free kick in a dangerous area as Tolisso brings Rode to the ground...
... Sahin's free kick misses the Bayern crossbar.
BAYERN SUB! Sule replaces the injured Martinez here.
It did appear that Coman would come off the Bayern bench, but the injury to Martinez forced a defensive change. Still Dortmund continue to dominate this German Super Cup in terms of possession, especially in the final third. Bayern just cannot get going in this second period.
Dortmund force a couple of corners in quick succession, but Bayern survive, ultimately winning a free kick in their own box to ease the pressure. It remains 1-1 with 63 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Dortmund as Dembele delivers a sensational cross into the Bayern box, but Castro just fails to make contact. What a ball from Dembele there!
Half-chance for Bayern this time as Ribery finds Tolisso with a deep cross, but Burki is on hand to make the save, and Dortmund are straight down the other end. Brilliant game at the moment.
BAYERN SUB! Coman replaces Muller for Bayern here.
Dortmund were living a charmed life in the latter stages of the first period as Bayern dominated, but the tables have turned here. Now Dortmund are the team very much on the front foot.
BOOKING! Lewandowski (Bayern) is booked for a late challenge on Sokratis.
GOAL! Dortmund 2-1 Bayern (Aubameyang)
Incredible! Dortmund take the lead in the 71st minute as Aubameyang finds the far corner with a brilliant chip after Dembele had sent the striker through! Moments before, Lewandowski broke into the Dortmund box, but the Pole failed to find a teammate with the cross, which led to a counter!
BOOKING! Vidal (Bayern) is booked for a poor tackle on Sahin.
The referee just needs to be careful here as late challenges continue to arrive all over the park.
DORTMUND SUB! Passlack replaces Zagadou for Dortmund.
Bayern were excellent in the latter stages of the first period, but the German champions have just failed to get going in the second half, and Dortmund deserve their lead at this stage of the contest.
Dortmund's incredible counter-attacking threat is once again in full show as Dembele races clear down the left, but Bayern have numbers back, and Ancelotti's side manage to survive.
Little over five minutes of normal time remaining here, and you just get the feeling that something is going to happen in the latter stages. You can never write off this Bayern team when considering the talent that they posses in the final third of the field. Renato Sanches is about to enter here!
BAYERN SUB! Sanches replaces Tolisso.
The Dortmund supporters are in fine voice here as we approach the final stages of normal time. Surely Bayern will carve out one or two chances late on. But can they take them? Stay tuned!
BOOKING! Rode (Dortmund) is booked for a late challenge on Vidal.
GOAL! Dortmund 2-2 Bayern (Kimmich)
Not too sure what is happening here?! Bayern appear to have scored, but there are players down all over the place, and the referee wants to talk to his linesman. Wait for the goal to be confirmed!
The goal looked to have been disallowed for a foul on Bartra. However, Kimmich appears to have hit the ball against Piszczek, and it ended up in the back of the net. A bizarre turn of events here.
DORTMUND SUB! Philipps replaces Pulisic.
We are into the third of what looks to be four added minutes here.
BOOKING! Passlack (Dortmund) is booked for a foul on Vidal.
END OF 90 MINUTES: Dortmund 2-2 Bayern
We go to penalties to decide the German Super Cup!
Here we go then. Penalties will decide the winner of the 2017 German Super Cup...
GOAL! Lewandowski sends Bayern 1-0 ahead in the shootout.
GOAL! Dembele levels the scores with a cool effort.
GOAL! Ribery finds the top corner for 2-1 Bayern.
GOAL! Philipp levels the shootout at 2-2.
SAVE! Burki keeps out Kimmich's spot kick!
GOAL! Aubameyang nets for 3-2 Dortmund.
GOAL! Rudy goes top corner to get Bayern back on track.
SAVE! Rode sees his spot kick saved!
GOAL! Vidal makes it four for Bayern!
GOAL! Castro scores for 4-4!
GOAL! Sule goes top corner to score.
SAVE! Bartra's effort is saved!
BAYERN WIN 2017 GERMAN SUPER CUP ON PENALTIES!
So there we have it. After a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes, Bundesliga champions Bayern win the 2017 German Super Cup with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Dortmund. What a night! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Until next time!
