FC Bayern once again demonstrated its offensive prowess in the DFB Cup. In a decisive 6-1 victory over 1. FC Magdeburg, the Munich team ultimately gave the second-division side no chance. Especially in the second half, the German record champions played their way into a frenzy. The performance made a huge impression on the visitors. Magdeburg player Alexander Nollenberger had some remarkable words for Bayern after the final whistle.
And yet, the underdog had actually put up a decent fight early on. In the first half, Magdeburg tried to find creative solutions against Munich’s intense pressing and create their own chances.
After the break, however, the match became increasingly one-sided. The Bayern offense, led by Michael Olise, Lennart Karl, and Ismael Saibari, was virtually unstoppable for the visitors.
Nollenberger marvels: “What a machine!”
In an interview with ARD, Nollenberger seemed downright overwhelmed by the quality of the German record champions. “What a machine. Wow, I mean, we kept it somewhat exciting until halftime. But after the 3-1, it became extremely difficult,” explained the Magdeburg player.
The 28-year-old was particularly impressed by the consistency with which the Munich team kept playing even after building a comfortable lead. “They just don’t stop—they simply don’t stop. That’s really intense,” Nollenberger raved.
For the second-division pro, the away game at the sold-out Allianz Arena was an extraordinary experience. “I have to say, it felt like a movie today—almost surreal. It was really nice; the atmosphere was great,” he explained.
Olise pushes Magdeburg pro to his limits
The head-to-head matchup with Michael Olise, in particular, really tested Nollenberger.
The French national team player is one of FC Bayern’s most dangerous attacking players and repeatedly caused problems for the Magdeburg defense with his technical skill and changes of pace. “It was a huge challenge, especially against Olise. The game slipped away from us a bit after halftime. But hey, how many teams have had that happen to them?” said Nollenberger.
The Magdeburg player made it clear that even a compact defensive setup isn’t necessarily enough against Munich. “Against them, you have to be ready at every moment. Even if you sit deep, they’ll find the ball, and then it becomes dangerous.”
Nollenberger illustrated just how physically draining the one-on-one battles with Olise actually were with a particularly vivid statement. “I had a few duels with Olise in the first half, and I was huffing and puffing like a buffalo,” the 28-year-old admitted.
The comments from the Magdeburg pro impressively demonstrate just how difficult it currently is to keep the Munich offense in check for 90 minutes.
With this decisive cup victory, FC Bayern advances confidently to the next round. Their next opponent will be determined this coming Sunday during the draw on ARD’s “Sportschau.”