Bayern make winning start on Guardiola's debut

Early goals from Arjen Robben and Mario Mandžukić set FC Bayern München on course for a 3-1 victory against VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach on an eventful Bundesliga debut for new coach Josep Guardiola.

The champions were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes in the season opener but a mix-up between Dante and Manuel Neuer saw the deficit halved just before the break, the defender sliding in an own goal against his former team. There was a hint of farce in the second period, too, as Spaniard Álvaro Domínguez conceded two penalties in as many minutes. Thomas Müller was denied, but David Alaba converted to seal the points.

Guardiola fielded ten of the 11 players who beat Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final in May and the home side made a blistering start. Robben scored the first goal of the Bundesliga season on 12 minutes, applying a cute finish after good work from Franck Ribéry and the pair combined again three minutes later. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen saved the Frenchman's effort but Mandžukić was on hand to tap in.

Bayern twice hit the woodwork, profligacy that continued after Dante found his own net when Müller had a penalty saved by Ter Stegen. Incredibly Domínguez, whose handball led to the first spot kick, then conceded a second for a similar infringement. Alaba stepped up this time, and made no mistake.