Bayern, Schalke in second round of German Cup

Berlin, Aug 6 (IANS)

Thomas Mueller in action. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

Thomas Mueller’s hat-trick smoothed Bayern’s way for the second round while Schalke carved out a hard earned 2-0 win over fifth division side Noettingen to close the first round of German Cup football.

Defending champions Bayern Munich cruised to a 5-0 triumph over fourth division team Rehden Monday, reports Xinhua.

The Bavarians needed some time to warm up but with 15 minutes into the match, Xherdan Shaqiri broke the deadlock from three metres following an assist by Arjen Robben.

Despite the early deficit Rehden were able to keep the German giants on distance. Nonetheless, Thomas Mueller headed home a cross by Rafinha following a corner to double the lead seconds before the break.

Bayern remained focused at the second half as Mueller donated another two goals to seal his hat-trick within five minutes. Yet, the treble winners were not done with the scoring as Robben rounded off the 5-0 win over courageous but hapless fourth division side Rehden.

Elsewhere, fifth division side Noettingen gave Champions League side Schalke a hard time. The Royal Blues were fortunate that Mario Bilgers and Holger Fuchs attempts only rattled the bar at the opening period.

However, it were Schalke that opened the scoring with 30 minute on the clock as Klaas Jan Huntelaar slotted home clinically after a cross by Christian Fuchs.

Finally, new arrival Leon Goretzka made it 2-0 on the scoreboards in the dying minutes of the match.