Bayern Munich beat Braunschweig in German Cup

Posted on August 3, 2011 by SoccerPunter

Germany forward Thomas Mueller played a big role in the victory as he earned two first-half penalties before he hooked in a shot in the 83rd minute to claim a goal of his own.

The spot-kicks Mueller earned with darting runs before being hauled down had earlier been converted by fellow German stars Mario Gomez, after nine minutes, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, on 39 minutes.

While Bayern were rarely tested, it was a far from convincing display from Jupp Heynckes-coached Munich who open their Bundesliga campaign on Sunday at the Allianz Arena against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Bayern, who were without both star wingers Dutchman Arjen Robben and France’s Franck Ribery, avoided becoming a fifth Bundesliga casualty after Bayer Leverkusen, VfL Wolfsburg, Freiburg and Werder Bremen all suffered first-round shocks over the weekend.

Leverkusen and six-times cup winners Bremen were both eliminated at the first hurdle on Saturday as Leverkusen, who were Bundesliga runners-up last season, were sent packing by second division newcomers Dynamo Dresden.

In an extraordinary game, Leverkusen surrendered a 3-0 lead to go down 4-3.

The hosts came back to force extra-time, before Alexander Schnetzler’s winner sent the 26,000 home fans wild with delight.

Bremen threw away a one-goal advantage to lose 2-1 at third-tier outfit Heidenheim and Wolfsburg were beaten 3-2 at fourth-flight RB Leipzig.

Freiburg were sent packing by Unterhaching, a third division club from the Munich suburbs, to become the fourth big-name casualty.

On Sunday, Schalke thrashed tiny FC Teningen 11-1 to take their place in the second round which will be held on October 25/26 with the draw to take place on Saturday evening.

Teningen, who play in Germany’s seventh tier were no match for Ralf Rangnick’s side, for whom Dutch star Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored four times.

Raul, Lewis Holtby and Mario Gavranovic all added doubles, with the Greek Kyriakos Papadopoulos completing the scoring.

Hannover, Hertha Berlin, Hoffenheim, Mainz and Cologne were other top-flight clubs to win on Sunday.

German Champions Borussia Dortmund were comfortable winners at third division Sandhausen on Saturday, easing to a 3-0 victory.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scored twice, with Japanese international Shinji Kagawa also on target.