Everything is set for success in the DFB Cup tie against Hannover: 24 of the last 27 matches in Munich against the Lower Saxony team finished in Bayern’s favour, with two matches ending in a draw. Hannover have beaten the Bavarians just once, a 1-0 victory in 2006. In the DFB Cup, every single match has gone Munich’s way: in 1974, FCB won 3-2 in the quarter-finals, and in 2002, Bayern won 2-1 in the second round. The only survivor from the clash in 2002 is Claudio Pizarro.
Unbeaten during the festival since 2010
Wednesday’s cup tie is one of two FCB home games during the Oktoberfest. This is usually a good sign, as the Bavarians haven't lost a Wiesn home game in the last two years. September 2010 didn't go quite as well, when a 0-0 draw against Cologne was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Mainz. Louis van Gaal was coach at the time.
Impressive cup record
Bayern have won 43 cup ties since summer 2004, losing only four. Two games went to penalties, against Burghausen and Gladbach, and these count as draws in the record books. What’s more, five out of the last seven cup games ended with Bayern keeping a clean sheet.
Cup specialists, part 1
Xherdan Shaqiri, Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben usually shine in the DFB Cup. The Swiss starlet was top of the scorer points list last season with three goals and five assists. Müller leads the goalscoring chart this term with his hat-trick against fourth-tier Rehden. In his career, the Germany international has 21 scorer points in 22 cup appearances (13 goals, eight assists). As for Robben, the winger has amassed ten scorer points in only five games (five goals five assists).
Cup specialists, part 2
Over the years, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Claudio Pizarro have been the most important DFB Cup players for the Reds. Schweinsteiger and Oliver Kahn lead the way for the most cup winner’s medals with six each. If Bayern win the cup this season, Schweinsteiger would move out on his own in the ranking. Pizarro has played a total of 45 cup ties in his career, scoring 26 goals. He is the most successful striker still playing in Germany.
Quotes of the day
“It's nice to see so many people when you drive round the city. Women in Dirndls, men in Lederhosen. It's really nice. I like it. Beer and party.“
(Pep Guardiola at Tuesday’s press conference, talking about his impressions of the Oktoberfest)
“He’s one of the best goalkeepers in history. I’m sure he’s one of the best on planet football.”
(Pep Guardiola on Manuel Neuer)
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