Friendly: India 0 Bayern Munich 4

A first-half barrage saw Bayern Munich outclass India’s national team 4-0 in Tuesday’s testimonial match for the retiring Bhaichung Bhutia.

Bayern had little trouble routing hosts at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, with goals from Mario Gomez, Bastian Schweinsteiger and a brace by Thomas Mueller enough for the Bundesliga leaders.

The German side started the friendly in front of 35,000 fans with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk in the centre of the park and Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos offering width.

India coach Savio Medeira decided to field Rakesh Masih alongside Rocus Lamare in midfield, with Climax Lawrence left on the bench. Sushil Singh was preferred over Jeje Lalpekhlua to partner Bhutia up front.

In the first real opening, Gomez released Robben inside the box, but the left winger’s shot was blocked by Indian goalkeeper Karanjit Singh.

The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Mueller was allowed to run uninhibited by Govin Moirangthem down the right and found Gomez for a close-range finish.

A testament to how easy Bayern took the game was Manuel Neuer’s positioning, as he stood outside his area for most of the first half.

India’s first attempt came when Sushil Singh found Bhutia, but his shot was astray from 30 yards.

Bayern scored their second of the evening when Robben provided an inch-perfect cross for Mueller, who headed the ball home.

Kroos, who had been quiet for the match’s early passages, then got into the thick of action when his cross allowed Mueller to score his second.

Schweinsteiger added his name to the scoresheet in the 43rd minute after he sent a well-struck shot into the top-right corner.

Bar any other goals, the match progressed in much the same way in the second half, with the first notable piece of action coming when Subasish Roy Chowdhury made a diving save from a Gomez attempt in the 53rd minute.

India’s first shot on target came in the 82nd minute when Bhutia released the onrushing Jewel Raja, but his shot went straight into the hands of Neuer.

Bhutia was afforded a standing ovation in his final match for his nation, who he has represented over 100 times for 43 international goals.

Part of the proceeds from the match against Bayern will go towards helping earthquake victims in Sikkim, Bhutia’s home town.