FC Bayern through to Telekom Cup final

FC Bayern beat Fortuna Düsseldorf 8-7 on penalties, advancing to the Telekom Cup final. Niko Kovac' team will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hertha Berlin in the final at 16.30 CET. The Reds controlled the match but were only able to create a few clear chances from their dominance on the pitch, and following a goalless 45 minutes the winner had to be decided from the spot. After a total of 18 penalties Niklas Süle fired his team into the final.

Kingsley Coman had the first chance of the game following a fine solo run in the eighth minute which turned Düsseldorf's rearguard inside out, but his effort landed in the side-netting. There was then a bit of a lull in play and it was only around the middle of the 45-minute period that the home side created the next dangerous attempt on goal. First, Matthias Zimmermann had a clear miss from a good position in the 25th minute, and just 60 seconds later Dodi Lukebakio went past Lukas Mai, but his shot from a narrow angle only found the side-netting.

However, the reigning champions from Munich didn't let Düsseldorf's short period of pressure put them off their stride. Following a powerful cross from Thomas Müller in the 33rd minute, Michael Rensing just managed to scrape a header from Kingsley Coman off the line. Two minutes later, Joshua Kimmich was unable to control the ball after a strong pass from David Alaba, and his effort was off target.

Consequently, the winner had to be decided via penalties. Kaan Ayhan converted the first Düsseldorf attempt, and in return David Alaba was foiled by a strong save from Rensing. The next two penalties from both sides went in, then Manuel Neuer saved from Kevin Stöger, restoring parity once again. The following eleven players all converted before Takashi Usami's nerves failed him, the Japanese's shot flying over the goal. Niklas Süle now had the chance to fire his team into the final and converted his penalty to make it 8-7.