After the Supercup success and a strong start in the Bundesliga with 10 points from four matches, FC Bayern now begin their DFB Cup campaign. The Bundesliga leaders travel to third-tier side FC Viktoria Köln on Wednesday evening (20:46 CEST), in a fixture that was rescheduled from late July to late August due to the Supercup. We’ve rounded up all the key facts for you, involving Thomas Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franz Beckenbauer and Oliver Kahn among others:
1. On for number 28 and 26!
Another record for the record champions: in the last 27 seasons, Bayern have always got through the first round of the DFB Cup, something no other team have achieved. The last time they were knocked out at the first hurdle was in 1994/95, when TSV Vestenbergsgreuth pulled off a 1-0 giant-killing. What’s more, FCB have prevailed in each of their last 25 cup meetings against clubs from the third division or lower. They’ll be aiming to extend both of those runs on Wednesday night.
2. Making up to do in cup
After defeats in the second round in each of the last two years, Julian Nagelsmann’s side are aiming to get further in the competition this season - preferably all the way to the final in Berlin. Prior to being knocked out by Holstein Kiel on penalties in 2020/21 and 5-0 against Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2021/22, the Bavarians had reached the final three years on the trot (two wins).
3. A look back
In last season’s first round, Bayern registered their second-highest win in professional football with a 12-0 drubbing of fifth-tier Bremer SV. Their only bigger victory came in the cup in 1997, a 16-1 win over DJK Waldberg. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting particularly enjoyed himself against Bremer, contributing four goals and three assists.
4. Müller chasing Schweinsteiger
Bayern veteran Thomas Müller currently has six DFB Cup titles to his name - only Bastian Schweinsteiger with seven has a larger collection. The 32-year-old can therefore draw level with the ‘football god’ this season, but first he needs a win in Cologne. Müller has won 50 games in the competition, which puts him in joint third place with Franz Beckenbauer behind Oliver Kahn (51) and Miroslav Votava (52). Müller has the chance to move above the trio this season.
5. Second encounter with Viktoria
Bayern have faced Viktoria Köln just once in the past. In the second round of the cup in 1979, the Munich men won 3-1 at the Sportpark Höhenberg thanks to goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Dieter Hoeneß and Wolfgang Dremmler. Viktoria, who are captained by ex-Bundesliga player Marcel Risse, are now eagerly awaiting the teams’ second meeting.
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