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The first semi-final of the DFB Pokal was the highlight of the two games, with Bayern Munich travelling to Bayer Leverkusen.
With the first portion of the first 45 being largely dominated by the visitors, they would be rewarded when they took the lead in the 22nd minute from Harry Kane, when, for his standards, he was left open in the Leverkusen box and was able to get a shot off to make it 1-0.
The second half saw the hosts be a lot more proactive on the ball, but still far too ineffective in attack. In the whole game, they would manage four shots, and only one shot on target (via FotMob). Considering Leverkusen’s performance in the last meeting between the two last month, this was a big drop off, and a very poor showing from die Werkself.
However, Bayern were still far the better team in attack, and if it were not for Mark Flekken making eight saves, the scoreline would have been a lot worse. Vincent Kompany’s side would then be rewarded for their performance when Luis Diaz made it 2-0 with more or less the last kick of the game to send the Bundesliga champions to Berlin.
This is the first time in six years that Bayern have made it to the DFB Pokal final. Their last appearance was in 2020 when they beat Leverkusen in the final during the COVID season. The domestic double is still on the cards for Bayern, while their focus can now turn to next week when they play the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against PSG.
Bayer Leverkusen:
Mark Flekken (6), Jarell Quansah (5), Robert Andrich (5), Edmond Tapsoba (5), Lucas Vazquez (-), Exequiel Palacios (5), Aleix Garcia (5), Alejandro Grimaldo (5), Ibrahim Maza (6), Nathan Tella (5), Patrik Schick (5)
Others: Ernest Poku (5), Montrell Cullbreath (5), Malik Tillman (-)
Bayern Munich:
Manuel Neuer (5), Josip Stanisic (6), Dayot Upamecano (6), Jonathan Tah (6), Konrad Laimer (5), Joshua Kimmich (6), Alexander Pavlovic (6), Michael Olise (6), Jamal Musiala (7), Luis Diaz (6), Harry Kane (6)
Others: Alphonso Davies (5), Leon Goretzka (5), Min-Jae Kim (-)
GGFN Man of the Match: Jamal Musiala (7)
Musiala has slowly been building his fitness and regaining his form since recovering from his broken leg earlier in the campaign. Tonight showed that for club and country, he is hitting at the right time. His assist for Kane’s opener was his fourth assist in four games. While he also created five chances, the most in the game.
If Bayern are to win the treble, then Musiala hitting form could turn their fortunes.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
