German DFB Cup: Joao Cancelo Helps Bayern Munich Beat Mainz 4-0 On Debut

Following three draws to open the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich's first victory of 2023 gave the German powerhouse its first trip in the German Cup quarterfinals since 2020. With a 4-0 victory against Mainz on Wednesday, Joao Cancelo quickly established himself for Bayern Munich and helped his new team advance to the German Cup quarterfinals. One day after coming on loan from Manchester City, the Portugal left back began on the right wing and assisted Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in opening the score in the 17th minute. After beginning the Bundesliga with three draws, Bayern scored its first victory of 2023, and for the first time since 2020, the Bavarian powerhouse advanced to the German Cup quarterfinals.When Mainz's defence was lax, Cancelo took advantage of it by lofting a cross to Choupo-Moting at the far post. Later, Thomas Müller set up Jamal Musiala to score off the right post in the 30th minute. As Bayern continued to dominate, Matthijs de Ligt squandered another excellent opportunity and Joshua Kimmich hit the post with a free kick. Before halftime, Mainz's situation worsened as captain Silvan Widmer had to leave the game due to an injury and Choupo-Moting set up Leroy Sané to score. Mainz significantly improved for the second, but the visitors held firm. Home the 83rd minute, Alphonso Davies headed in a free kick from Kimmich to cap the score. Bo Svensson, the head coach of Mainz, had only previous to Davies' goal Svensson had questioned the fourth official throughout the game, according to referee Deniz Aytekin, about if they were all blind. In the 86th minute, Mainz's Alexander Hack received his second caution. On February 14, Bayern travels to Paris Saint-Germain for the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League matchup. Musiala hobbled out at halftime but returned to play the rest of the way. After hard collisions in the second half, Ryan Gravenberch of the Netherlands and de Ligt both required medical care. Both kept going. In order to advance, defending champion Leipzig had to overcome Hoffenheim 3-1. On Tuesday, Union Berlin and Stuttgart secured their spots in the quarterfinals. Next week has additional third-round contests.