Skip to main content

Darmstadt 0 Bayern Munich 3: Vidal and Coman on target as Bayern cruise

Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman opened their Bundesliga accounts for Bayern Munich as the champions maintained the perfect start to their title defence with a 3-0 win at Darmstadt.

The hosts, who have risen to the Bundesliga on the back of three consecutive promotions, came into the match unbeaten this term and buoyed by a shock 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen last time out.

Coman, who followed Vidal in making the journey from Juventus to Bayern during Europe's summer transfer window, was handed a maiden start as Pep Guardiola shuffled his starting XI with an eye on Tuesday's showdown against last season's runners-up Wolfsburg.

And the 19-year-old Frenchman marked the occasion memorably by slotting in from Sebastian Rode's pass in the 62nd minute, shortly before the midfielder got on the scoresheet himself.

Darmstadt responded impressively as Dominik Stroh-Engel burst through to be denied by Manuel Neuer, and Marcel Heller spurned a better chance in the 32nd minute – blasting wide at the far post after excellent work by Jerome Gondorf down the left flank.

Guardiola's side maintained their customary grip on possession early in the second half and Darmstadt goalkeeper Christian Mathenia saved well when David Alaba made a foray forward from defence.

Stroh-Engel made way for Sandro Wagner and the substitute almost had in stand impact with an hour played, heading Heller's cross over.

Darmstadt struggled to recover their composure after that double blow – a last-ditch challenge from Aytac Sulu to thwart Mario Gotze indicative of their desperation.

Coman missed his kick and a chance to pile on further misery in the final minute but the earlier encouraging signs suggest Dirk Schuster’s team will enjoy plenty more fruitful days on their Bundesliga return.