Bayern Munich advanced to the third round of the DFB-Pokal with a comprehensive 4-0 win at Mainz led by a Jamal Musiala hat-trick in the first half, capped off by a goal from Leroy Sané just before the halftime interval. All of the damage was done in the first half for Vincent Kompany’s men and Belgian manager can looked ahead to this weekend’s Union Berlin clash in the Bundesliga full of confidence after two consecutive wins by a margin of four or more goals.
Sané, Eric Dier, and Serge Gnabry were the only three changes from the 5-0 win over VfL Bochum that Kompany decided to make for the win over Mainz, but he was able to take off both Musiala and Harry Kane at the halftime break to help preserve them for the matches to come. Even youngster Airjon Ibrahimovic was able to get a cameo when he replaced Dier in the 77th minute, underlying the comfortability with which Bayern dispatched of a Mainz side that have been struggling in the Bundesliga so far this season.
After the match, Kompany explained how he is doing what he can to keep Musiala grounded, even when he has huge performances like the one he put forth under the lights at the MEWA Arena. “He’s making the right steps, also physically. He brings a lot of joy to the team. We’re making sure to keep him fresh. Hopefully Saturday he can carry on like today. He has to stay calm. We’re supporting him. Sometimes things don’t go well – and when things are going well, you can always do more,” the Bayern manager explained, knowing that his star playmaker is also just not too far removed from an injury problem that saw him miss some action for the club earlier this month (via @iMiaSanMia).
The fact that Musiala was able to get a hat-trick within the first 45 minutes was a huge bonus for Kompany. Being able to take him off and bring on both Mathys Tel and Thomas Müller is a type of luxury most managers do not possess, but now both Kane and Musiala will be well rested for Union Berlin this weekend.
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