In the last game of the first round of the DFB Cup, Julian Nagelsmann is busy rotating. Even in a new formation, FC Bayern has no trouble with third division side Viktoria Köln. Bayern dominate the game and, thanks to three summer newcomers, quickly ensure clear conditions.
Bayern Munich successfully presented further new acquisitions at the DFB Cup show of its rough diamonds. With a still top-class B team, the record champions won 5-0 (2-0) at the end of the first round against committed but overwhelmed third division team Viktoria Köln.
Goalscorers Ryan Gravenberch (35′), 20-year-old from Ajax Amsterdam, and Mathys Tel (45′), even three years younger from Stade Rennes, hinted at their enormous potential. The dribbles and shots of the two starting XI debutants were highlights in the Bayern game. The new superstar Sadio Mané (53rd), signed by Liverpool FC, and young national player Jamal Musiala (67th) also met.
Julian Nagelsmann had announced five changes to the league game against Borussia Mönchengladbach (1: 1) for the duel in the sold-out stadium of 1. FC Köln, there were seven. Only Lucas Hernandez, Thomas Müller, Joshua Kimmich and Mane remained in the starting XI. In addition to Gravenberch and Tel, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui joined the team. Leon Goretzka came off the bench after weeks of knee injury – and scored to make it 5-0 (82nd).
Viktoria wanted to challenge the big Bavarians in the “game of the century” like they did in the 1: 3 in the 1979 cup – the only goal scorer Bernhard Ochmann, however, was pessimistic: “None of them earn less than eight million. Bayern make at least five pieces,” said he told SID – and was right. The fans of the third division filled the small guest block at the big neighbors: The rest of the 50,000 spectators were mostly bathed in Bayern red.
However, the blatant outsider, who mostly only got to see the ball at the opponent’s foot, wore red jerseys. Inaccuracies and coordination problems in Bayern initially made defensive play easier for Viktoria, even a – completely harmless – corner and an offside goal by Simon Handle (20th) jumped out.
Goalkeeper Ben Voll thwarted the first Bayern chances in a four, five, six pack. When Kimmich shot, he flew particularly well (28th/34th). The record champion was getting annoyed, he tightened up and then it took less than 60 seconds to take the lead, which he had long earned. Viktoria’s hope for more than an extra role sank towards zero at the latest after Tel’s beautiful solo degree.
The hosts in the foreign stadium had briefly pricked Bayern, more was never seriously possible. The bottom line was that 90 long minutes remained on an unfamiliar stage – and a record income, to which the opponent also contributed: Bayern left 50 percent of their share of the audience revenue to Viktoria. She was happy about “a great gesture”. The second round of the DFB Cup will be drawn on Sunday (5:10 p.m.) on ZDF.
