Bayern Munich cruise behind Robert Lewandowski hat trick, win 5-0 in DFB Pokal

The first round of the DFB Pokal is almost always a cake walk for Bayern Munich and this year’s edition was no exception. Bayern cruised to an 5-0 win over 4th division side Carl-Zeiss Jena behind a Robert Lewandowski first-half hat trick.

Lewandowski netted his first in the 3rd minute after a delightful cross through the Jena defense from Franck Ribery before adding a second and third late in the first half on a defensive miscue and a wide open shot from 20 yards out respectively.

Carl Zeiss Jena had no answer for the intricate movements of Bayern Munich. Joshua Kimmich dropped from midfield into the rightback slot as Rafinha pushed forward as Ancelotti utilized an inverted fullback and wingback combo to easily push possession into midfield. Thomas Müller’s right sided attacking from outside-in left Jena exposed and overloaded and he had an easy match as he linked up play between Bayern’s midfield and Lewandowski. The German striker could have easily had a first half hat trick himself if not for a combination of great saves, last-ditch defensive efforts, and his own rusty decision making.

The second half was admittedly one way traffic. Jena’s early pressing earned Bayern some tense moments to start the second half, but the Bavarians easily adapted and regained the advantage. Javi Martinez made way for Mats Hummels early in the second half while Julian Green came on for Franck Ribery midway through.

Despite Green’s substitution it was again Müller and Lewandowski who next destroyed the Jena defense as their movement created massive holes and allowed Arturo Vidal an uncontested run and easy tap in in the 72nd minute before Mats Hummels added a fifth minutes later with a perfect header off a corner.

It was a comfortable win for Bayern and another change for Carlo Ancelotti to see just how his players can fit into how he wants this team to play. If this match was any indication, this is going to be a very fun season for Bayern Munich.