Bayern Munich have begun their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Valencia at the Allianz Arena.
The hosts dictated the play from the first whistle and a string of superb saves from Diego Alves kept Valencia in the match early on.
Toni Kroos was close to giving Bayern the lead after only 13 minutes but his weak effort was easily stopped by the inspired Alves.
Arjen Robben was the next player to be left frustrated by the Valencia goalkeeper when the Dutch winger created space on the edge of the box, only to see his powerful shot pushed away by Alves.
Bayern finally managed to find the opening goal on the stroke of half-time as the Bavarian side attacked at pace with Robben, and Bastian Schweinsteiger made a perfect run to apply a simple finish to a brilliant move.
Valencia's attack continued to lack potency in the second period and the Spanish side were forced to try their luck from long range but Manuel Neuer was rarely called into action.
Alves resumed his personal duel with the Bayern forwards after the interval, denying Kroos once again with a fine save after a long spell of possession from the hosts.
Kroos finally managed to beat his nemesis in the closing stages of the match with a spectacular finish from outside the box.
A headed goal from Nelson Valdez looked to have given Valencia hope of claiming an unlikely point but Adil Rami was dismissed for a second bookable offence in stoppage time as Bayern held on for the victory.
Callum Mulvihill
