BEVERLY HILLS, October 15, (THEWILL) – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored twice on his Bayern Munich debut as last season’s treble winners cruised past fifth-tier Duren 3-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, which is the annual German knockout football cup competition.
Bayern were limited to fielding a makeshift side due to notable absences from the squad because of the international break. However, they comfortably came through a tie postponed until Thursday to allow them to recover from last season’s Champions League triumph.
Choupo-Moting, who joined Bayern on a free transfer, was one of those offered a chance to feature and the striker paid back the confidence reposed in him handsomely.
The minnows, clearly aware of the quality of their illustrious opponents, had openly stated that their goal was simply conceding fewer goals than Barcelona and Schalke managed against the treble winners. Yet, they almost struck first when, just 23 seconds into the game, Marc Brasnic nodded straight at Bayern’s keeper Alexander Nubel – another of four Bayern debutants in the starting line-up.
Expectedly, chances followed at the other end as the game wore on. Choupo-Moting spurned two glorious opportunities before registering his first goal, stabbing Bouna Sarr’s square ball past Kevin Jackmuth at the Duren goal for the opener.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward then won a penalty from Duren centre-back Joran Sobiech. Muller makes no mistake from 12 yards as he drives his penalty into the left-hand corner, sending Jackmuth the other way.
Though a low point for the Duren keeper, he was producing some quality saves all match long. When a sublime Douglas Costa run presented him with a shooting opportunity, it was met with an equally good save from Jackmuth, who also kept Choupo-Moting at bay after half-time.
However, the game officials were next to deny Bayern as Choupo-Moting’s delicate finish appeared to cross the line before David Putz headed the goal-bound strike clear.
Bayern’s new striker persisted for another goal and it paid off in the 75th minute. The Cameroonian spun his marker on the edge of the Duren box to rifle a right-footed shot into the top-left corner and complete his brace.
There was still chance for one more Bayern goal but Javi Martinez, cleared on goal, nodded against the upright.
In the end, the Duren team was not humiliated. They aimed to be competitive and they were certainly that. Ultimately, it was a routinely comfortable win for the Bavarian giants. They were also afforded the opportunity to field new players while progressing to the second round.
Bayern next go to Arminia Bielefeld in the Bundesliga on Saturday and will aim to take top spot.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
