Following the 5-0 win in the Bundesliga against Bochum at the weekend, Bayern showed a similarly convincing and at times thrilling performance during their 4-0 victory in Mainz on Wednesday evening in the DFB Cup. On the one hand, Harry Kane and his teammates showed the usual offensive dominance and scoring threat befitting a Bayern team. On the other hand, the Munich Reds had been warned. Three times in the past four seasons Bayern had exited the cup competition in the second round. Fortunately, fans were spared an unpleasant Halloween surprise this time around. While they experienced an evening full of treats, it was a little more tricky for the supporters of Mainz. fcbayern.com has the match facts.
The man of the evening who subsequently became man of the match was, without a shadow of a doubt, Jamal Musiala. In his 174th competitive game for Bayern at the age of only 21, Bayern's midfield technician scored his first hat-trick and recorded his 50th competitive goal for the Reds. “You can't judge Jamal only by his goals. He is an incredible player even when he doesn't score,” praised head coach Vincent Kompany.
Milestone for Neuer
Next to the brilliant attack (47 goals already this season!) with Musiala and Leroy Sané, who's now scored in two competitive games in succession for the first time since September 2023, Manuel Neuer and his team also registered a clean sheet. It was yet another milestone for the five-time World's Best Goalkeeper with his 250th shutout in Bayern colours. “It's particularly important to keep clean sheets in the cup. Manu worked for this and deserves it. Congratulations,” Joshua Kimmich commented.
Speaking of 250, Serge Gnabry also had reason to celebrate this special number. On Wednesday evening, the 29-year-old Germany international put in yet another impressive performance as he started on his 250th appearance for the club.
Non-stop Kimmich and Müller
Once more this season, Kimmich was one of the driving forces in Bayern's game. The team have so far played 1,170 minutes under head coach Vincent Kompany. Kimmich has been on the pitch for every single one of them. Against Mainz, Kompany's right-hand man proved his value yet again with 105 passes played. Not only does vice-captain Kimmich play non-stop, he continuously influences the game with his passing and pace control. “Joshua plays every minute because he deserves it. He works hard in training as well as in the games. It's not only about talent, it's about the heart you show and your work-rate. That's part of being on the top level. Joshua is a player who radiates that,” Kompany says about Bayern's midfield engine.
Müller equals Manfred Kaltz
Another unstoppable force at Bayern is the man with the number 25, Thomas Müller. Bayern's legendary attacker came on at half-time of the cup tie and helped get the convincing win across the line. Only two players in DFB Cup history come close to Thomas Müller's numbers, Manfred Kaltz and Charly Körbel. No player has appeared in as many DFB Cup games for Bayern as Müller, with his 67th outing in the cup equalling Kaltz's tally at Hamburg. Only Körbel has played more cup games for one club in German football history (70 for Eintracht Frankfurt).
The draw for the round of 16 will take place next Sunday. Let's see if it's trick or treat for Bayern.
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