Bayern claim third spot in LIGA total! Cup

New signings Rafinha and Takashi Usami both started in Wednesday’s LIGA total! Cup third-place play-off between Bayern and Bundesliga rivals Mainz, which the men from Munich finally won on penalties after the sporadically entertaining hour-long contest ended 2-2.

The 33,500 capacity crowd at the freshly inaugurated Coface Arena in Mainz saw Nikolce Noveski head the hosts in front after 11 minutes, but Munich finished the first period strongly and David Alaba deservedly equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Mainz twice struck the goal frame as FCB wobbled slightly after the break, but late sub Thomas Müller won a crucial penalty and Nils Petersen stroked home three minutes from the end, only for Anthony Ujah to level with seconds remaining. The match went to a shoot-out, Danijel Pranjic netting the decisive spot-kick as the Bavarians claimed third spot 5-4 on penalties.