Nicklas Bendtner stars as Wolfsburg see off Bayern on penalties

Nicklas Bendtner secured Wolfsburg the German Super Cup on Saturday evening, scoring the winning penalty in a shootout after equalising in normal time against Bayern Munich.

Arjen Robben put Bayern in front early in the second half, but Bendtner's last-gasp equaliser forced penalties and it was he who kept his cool to convert the decisive spot-kick after Xabi Alonso saw his saved.

Bayern had the better of the game, but Wolfsburg wasted some of the better chances before earning a late lifeline and then completing a hat trick of Super Cup defeats for Bayern coach Pep Guardiola.

Douglas Costa soon showed why he was wanted so much by Guardiola this summer as he raced in around the back of Vieirinha to provide the first moment of danger inside the Wolfsburg area just 90 seconds in.

A well-worked corner which was lacking the intended finish from Thiago Alcantara turned into an assist for Jerome Boateng to strike Bayern's next effort against the underside of the crossbar.

Manuel Neuer then thwarted Wolfsburg's attempt to break with a characteristic spurt out of his goal to head the ball away from Kevin De Bruyne.

There was plenty of life in the early exchanges, and several chances too. Vieirinha flashed Wolfsburg's first across goal in the 13th minute after De Bruyne enjoyed his first lengthy spell on the ball.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Bongarts/Getty Images

---

Ivan Perisic tested Neuer with a 20-yard volley before Bayern tried to be too elaborate on a quick counter-attack with Costa getting an earful from Thomas Muller for returning a pass to Robert Lewandowski rather than shooting with only Koen Casteels to beat.

Neuer was alert to prevent Medhi Benatia from turning into his own goal, but his overzealousness got the better of him as he raced out of his area again only to lose out to De Bruyne just before half-time. The Belgian placed his shot wide with the goal at his mercy, sparing the Germany number one's blushes.

It was a costly miss as Bayern took the lead early in the second half with the enterprising Costa doing the damage again down the left, his cross fumbled by Casteels for Robben to sweep in from close range.

Wolfsburg had chances to equalise with Bas Dost denied by Neuer from a neat De Bruyne through-ball and the Belgian midfielder was also thwarted by Bayern's number one.

Arturo Vidal was handed his debut by Guardiola, and promptly received a yellow card for his second foul in just a few minutes.

His presence was not where it was needed in the last minute of the game, though, as De Bruyne broke down the right and delivered a cross which substitute Bendtner met at the near post to bring the Wolves level and force a penalty shoot-out.

After Vidal and Ricardo Rodriguez scored, Alonso saw his effort saved by a diving Casteel, who kicked it away with his foot. 

Wolfsburg were flawless from the spot, including Bendtner, who sent his effort into the top corner to earn last season's cup winners the trophy.