Workmanlike Reds down Cottbus

FC Bayern beat Energie Cottbus 3-1 on Monday evening, advancing to the second round of the DFB Cup. Robert Lewandowski handed Bayern an utterly deserved lead before half-time, Kingsley Coman twisting the knife after the hour mark. Sub Leon Goretzka added his name to the scoresheet with five minutes to go, Berkan Taz scoring a consolation goal for the fourth-tier side from the penalty spot in injury time.

The record cup winners started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Joshua Kimmich, Benjamin Pavard, Niklas Süle and David Alaba in a back four. Corentin Tolisso, Thiago and Renato Sanches took up station in midfield, with Thomas Müller and Coman out wide, looking to serve lone striker Lewandowski. Goretzka and Serge Gnabry took over from Sanches and Coman midway through the second half, new signing Lucas Hernández coming on for Süle in the closing stages.

Lewy rewards dominant Bayern

The 20,602 capacity crowd in Cottbus saw Bayern signal their intent from the off. Alaba rifled over the bar from distance before Sanches saw an effort blocked. Lewandowski hit the crossbar via the fingertips of netminder Lennart Moser, Tolisso miscuing from 20 yards.

The minnows made a real fist of it but ultimately punched above their weight, and Bayern overcame their dogged defending when a Kimmich cross found Coman whose header was parried by Moser, Lewandowski mopping up from close range. The Poland striker almost netted a second, shining with a brilliant first touch before unleashing a belter, but Moser made a fine, low save. Coman saw another header directed onto the bar by Moser, but another goal refused to come before half-time.

Kingsley seals it

Proceedings were similar after the restart. Lewandowski saw an effort blocked before Alaba curled a free-kick wide, but Coman soon beat Moser with a fine shot to double the lead.

Goretzka found the net with the help of a slight deflection by Lewandowski with five minutes to go before Energie's Taz scored a late consolation goal from the penalty spot.

The Bavarians will be back in action on Friday, when they entertain Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga restart. They will learn the identity of their next cup opponents on Sunday evening.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen