Cancelo-inspired Bayern crush Mainz to end winless streak
Joao Cancelo helped Bayern return to winning ways with an excellent assist as the German champions cruised past Mainz in the DFB-Pokal.
| Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
It was a statement win for Julian Nagelsmann's troops, who have faced heavy criticism after drawing their first three games in 2023.
Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo made his debut for Bayern, starting as a right wing-back in a 3-4-3 system, and set up Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's opener with a pinpoint cross in the 17th minute.
Jamal Musiala added to the scoreline just around the half-hour mark, drilling a low shot into the far corner after receiving a pass from Thomas Müller.
Bayern also made it 3-0 just before the break after a moment of brilliance from Choupo-Moting, who sent Leroy Sané through on goal with a marvelous back-heel pass. The German international then kept his cool and put the ball past Dahmen to increase the lead.
The visitors took their foot off the gas a bit in a goalless second half that initially saw Thomas Müller and Anthony Caci coming close to changing the scoreline at opposite ends of the pitch.
After Mainz coach Bo Svensson was sent to the stands for protesting by referee Denis Aytekin, Alphonso Davies rounded off the win with 83 minutes played, guiding a header past Finn Dahmen to make it 4-0.
Mainz finished the game with 10 men, as Alexander Hack was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Musiala a few minutes later.
