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Bayern return from break to wallop Stuttgart in German Cup

Bayern Munich returned from their winter holidays looking as though they meant business judged by the way Jürgen Klinsmann's men swept aside VfB Stuttgart 5-1 on Tuesday.

Bayern return from break to wallop Stuttgart in German Cup
Photo: DPA

This last 16 German Cup tie was the reigning champions’ first official game of 2009 after a one-and-a half month lay off, a training camp in the sunshine of Dubai, and five friendly wins.

They were quickly into their stride though with Bastian Schweinsteiger starting the rout in the 14th minute.

“We knew we were feeling good. We showed our quality,” said Schweinsteiger. “But we can play even better.”

Franck Ribery doubled up two minutes later and the France international then set up Luca Toni for Bayern’s third just before the break. Schweinsteiger got the second leg of his double from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute with Brazilian Ze Roberto completing a fine night for the visitors before the hour mark.

It was Stuttgart’s first loss since Markus Babbel took over as coach in November.

“That was an extremely bitter night for us,” said Stuttgart captain Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Bayern’s league campaign resumes on Friday with a trip to Hamburg who earlier Tuesday won their Cup tie against 1860 Munich 3-1, while Schalke 04 saw off minnows Jena 4-1.

Bundesliga winter champions Hoffenheim were eliminated in the previous round by Freiburg, who were defeated 3-1 by fellow second-division outfit Mainz.

Wednesday’s Cup programme features a showdown between top-flight sides Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen.

RACISM

VIDEO: Spain’s La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

Spain's La Liga on Monday said it was reviewing a video of a child making racist insults towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during the 2-2 draw with Valencia at the weekend.

VIDEO: Spain's La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

“We’re in the process of studying and analysing the facts from a legal standpoint to see what we can and should do,” La Liga sources said.

In a video published by a journalist for ESPN Brasil, and picked up by Spanish media, a boy sitting in a woman’s lap can be heard calling Vinicius a “monkey”.

The Brazilian scored twice for Madrid as his team recovered from two goals down at Mestalla on Saturday.

Vinicius raised his fist in a “Black Power” salute after the first of his two goals at a ground where he was racially abused last season. Valencia subsequently banned three people from the stadium for life.

The 23-year-old has become a symbol of the fight against discrimination in Spanish football after suffering racist abuse on many occasions, and he was jeered repeatedly by home supporters on Saturday.

Jude Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle against Valencia for protesting after the referee blew the final whistle right before the England midfielder headed home what he thought was the winning goal.

READ ALSO: Football star Vinicius highlights racist behaviour from Spanish fans

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