As expected, Bayern duly beat sixth-division Neckarelz to book a place in the second round of the DFB Cup on Sunday, but the part-timers emerged with huge credit from the match, frustrating the Bavarians for long periods and contributing their share to an entertaining cup tie.
The 14-time cup winners made appallingly heavy weather of the first half against the determined but limited lower league outfit, carving out a string of chances but missing the lot. New boy Mario Gomez finally broke the deadlock with a quick-fire brace before the hour, the second from the spot.
The home side’s task was hardly helped when former pro Christian Fickert received his marching orders with 15 minutes still to play, but Neckarelz sub Heiko Throm incredibly pulled one back for the ten men, only for Hamit Altintop to restore the two-goal winning margin eight minutes from time.
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