Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund eye first Cup in German season

Berlin: Bayern Munich resume their power struggle with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday for the German Super Cup. The blockbuster Bundesliga curtain-raiser in Dortmund once more pits Germany’s top clubs together after Bayern held off a spirited Dortmund challenge to land a seventh straight league title on the final day of last season. “This is the first title that is important to us,” said Bayern star Thomas Mueller a fortnight before the new Bundesliga season starts.

“The game has a certain explosiveness. We want to show that we are ready — we’ll put our all into it,” he added.

Dortmund have recruited hard, signing wingers Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt — the latter currently sidelined by injury — and luring Mats Hummels back from Bayern to beef up the defence. Exactly who will line up for Bayern at Dortmund is unclear. Frenchman Kingsley Coman, who suffered a recurrence of a serious ankle injury last season, “only” bruised his knee against Spurs. Fellow winger Serge Gnabry is also doubtful with a leg knock.

This will be Dortmund’s first key test after winning six pre-season friendlies — including a 3-2 win victory over Champions League holders Liverpool last month. “The Super Cup is very important for us all — to start the season well and show fans what we have planned,” said Dortmund captain Marco Reus.