First final since 2020: Bayern defeats Leverkusen and travels to Berlin | OneFootball

FC Bayern beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup to reach the final for the first time since 2020. Munich dominated the game for long stretches and ensured the final decision in stoppage time.

Vincent Kompany made seven changes to his starting XI compared to the 4-2 win over VfB Stuttgart, with Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Harry Kane among those returning to the starting line-up. The Englishman’s return was particularly noticeable early on.

The record champions took control in the BayArena right from the start. Bayern pinned Leverkusen back in their own half at times and created their first opportunities. Dayot Upamecano fired a shot over the goal from close range (5′), and a little later Luis Díaz failed to beat Mark Flekken with a spectacular shot (16′). Harry Kane also had several chances to score, but was initially unsuccessful.

Bayern’s efforts were finally rewarded in the 22nd minute when, following a throw-in, Jamal Musiala crossed into the penalty area and the ball found Kane, who slotted home from close range for a deserved lead.

photo: Getty Images

Bayern remain dominant, Schick with Bayer’s best chance

The German champions continued to set the tone after the opening goal. Michael Olise tested Flekken from distance (28′), while Kane only just missed a second goal shortly before the break (40′). Leverkusen, on the other hand, remained completely harmless in attack in the first half and did not register a single shot on goal.

After the break, the Werkself were initially a little more active, with Nathan Tella testing Manuel Neuer with a long-range shot (52′), but the Bayern captain was on the spot. Shortly afterwards, Robert Andrich made a superb save to prevent Musiala from making it 2-0 (49′).

Harry Kane missed two good opportunities from promising positions (62′, 64′), while Josip Stanisic and Konrad Laimer also had further chances. Leverkusen continued to try, but were rarely dangerous in front of goal – the best chance fell to Patrik Schick, who headed over the crossbar from around ten metres after a cross from the right (70′).

Bayern’s opponents in Berlin to be determined tomorrow

Leverkusen noticeably stepped up the pressure in the closing stages and created more attacking opportunities. The Werkself established a foothold in Munich’s half on several occasions, but could hardly find any clear breakthroughs against the record champions‘ compact defence. Vincent Kompany reacted with defensive changes, bringing on Min-jae Kim for Jamal Musiala, among others, and switching to a more stable formation.

When Leverkusen threw everything forward in stoppage time, Munich had space to counter. Luis Díaz first failed to beat Mark Flekken from a half-left position (90.+1), before the decision was made shortly afterwards: Leon Goretzka was sent up the right flank and played the ball precisely into the center to Díaz as he fell. The Colombian ran a few more steps and slotted the ball past the keeper from around 13 metres out. The whistle was initially blown for offside, but after a VAR review, the goal counted (90.+3).

FC Bayern are thus back in the DFB Cup final after a long dry spell and will face the winner of the second semi-final between VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg, who meet on Thursday evening, in Berlin on 23 May. Before that, Munich continue their Bundesliga campaign with an away game at 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday, before the Champions League semi-final at Paris Saint-Germain next week. Bayer Leverkusen face a derby at 1. FC Köln at the weekend.