Bayern overpower Leverkusen 3-1 in Bundesliga season opener

Titleholders Bayern Munich started with a victory into the season after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 at the kick-off of the 55th Bundesliga season on Friday.

The German record champions smoothed the way within 45 minutes as goals from summer signings Niklas Suele and Corentin Tolissio established a 2-0 lead early in the game. Bayern extended the lead after the restart before Leverkusen scored their consolation through Admir Mehmedi.

The hosts started highly motivated into the season as Tolisso tested Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno with a shot on target in the opening period. It was just a matter of time before Bayern gained momentum and opened the scoring as Sebastian Rudy's cross into the box found Niklas Suele, who nodded home in the 9th minute.

Bayer Leverkusen continued offensively minded despite the setback but goalkeeper Sven Ulreich was on guard to deny Karim Bellarabi from close range moments later.

Bayern remained clinical with their goal scoring opportunities and doubled the lead with 18 minutes into the game when Tolisso headed home Arturo Vidal's volley into the box.

The visitors remained unimpressed and continued to work out chances but Kevin Volland was unable to overcome onrushing Bayern custodian Ulreich from close range in the 21st minute.

Bayern's new arrival Tolisso should have tripled the lead but the left post denied his effort two minutes later.

Carlo Ancelotti's men remained in control of the proceedings after the restart. They were able to extend their advantage after Robert Lewandowski converted a foul play penalty to make it 3-0 on the scoreboards in the 57th minute.

The "Werkself" kept it bowling and rewarded their efforts with 65 minutes played as Mehmedi benefited on a square pass from Julian Brandt to slot home into the top right corner.

Heiko Herrlich's men pressed relentlessly for another goal but Bayern were able to protect their lead to the end to secure a vital victory in the first game of the season.

The following fixtures are scheduled for Saturday: Wolfsburg encounter Borussia Dortmund, Hertha Berlin clash with newly promoted Stuttgart, Hamburg face Augsburg, Mainz see newly promoted Hannover and Schalke see Leipzig.