Duren 0-3 Bayern Munich: Choupo-Moting claims debut double against spirited minnows

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored twice on his Bayern Munich bow as the treble winners eased past fifth-tier Duren 3-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.

The international break limited Bayern to a makeshift side, but they comfortably came through a tie postponed until Thursday to allow them to recover from last season’s Champions League triumph.

Free transfer signing Choupo-Moting was among those to get his chance and the striker opened the scoring midway through the first half before having a hand in Thomas Muller’s penalty.

Duren, the designated home team who decided not to host the fixture, were certainly not embarrassed at Allianz Arena but Choupo-Moting’s excellent second sealed victory for the Bundesliga champions.

Eric Maxim Choupo-GOALting dropping bangers on his debut

#FCDFCB 0-3 (75′) pic.twitter.com/J75Isyibt9

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) October 15, 2020

The minnows had openly targeted simply bettering Barcelona and Schalke by conceding fewer than eight goals, yet they almost struck first as Marc Brasnic nodded straight at Alexander Nubel – another of four Bayern debutants in the starting line-up – after just 23 seconds.

Chances predictably followed at the other end, though, and Choupo-Moting twice might have scored before stabbing Bouna Sarr’s square ball past Kevin Jackmuth for the opener.

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward then won a penalty from Joran Sobiech after Jackmuth’s poor clearance, allowing Muller to get on the scoresheet from 12 yards.

A sublime Douglas Costa run and shot was met with an equally good save from the goalkeeper, who also kept Choupo-Moting at bay after half-time.

The officials were next to deny Bayern as Choupo-Moting’s delicate finish appeared to cross the line before David Putz headed clear, then Jamal Musiala’s mazy dribble concluded with a low shot against the post.

Bayern’s new striker persisted, however, and turned on the edge of the box to rifle a right-footed shot into the top-left corner and complete the scoring, although there should have been a fourth when Javi Martinez nodded against the upright.

What does it mean? Duren achieve target, Bayern advance

Duren’s aim was to be competitive and they were certainly that. Bayern did not test Jackmuth until the 18th minute and gave up eight shots at the other end, while Jerome Boateng was fortunate to win a free-kick after slipping inside his own area late in the first half.

But ultimately, this was comfortable for the Bavarian giants, who had the opportunity to blood new players while progressing to the second round.

Bayern’s full-back balance

When fit, Bayern had a settled back four for much of last season, with Benjamin Pavard at right-back. While the World Cup winner is a natural defender, though, he does not offer the same threat as Alphonso Davies going the other way.

That is where Sarr comes in. The full-backs were marauding down both flanks here – Sarr creating two chances, including an assist, with Davies playing one key pass.

Daylight after Duren errors

Jackmuth was largely excellent in the Duren goal, making five saves in all, but his dismal pass set up the attack that led to the second. Sobiech rashly brought Choupo-Moting down and the game was taken out of the underdogs’ reach.

What’s next?

Bayern go to Arminia Bielefeld in the Bundesliga on Saturday and will aim to take top spot.