Legendary Bayern knockout matches from 2011-20: Part 2

2016-2020 was yet another period of great success for Bayern, who asserted themselves domestically and stormed to DFB Cup triumphs, with some cracking Champions League ties along the way.

16 March 2016 - FC Bayern vs. Juventus

2-0 down, an equaliser in injury time and a party in extra time – on 16 March 2016, FC Bayern once again delivered a perfect example of their never-say-die attitude. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Juventus, the second leg at the Allianz Arena was a real thriller. After only 28 minutes, FCB were already two goals down but the Munich team fought back, Robert Lewandowski halving the deficit before Thomas Müller forced extra time with a goal in stoppage time at the end of the game.

With the Bavarians now in control with vital momentum, Thiago scored to take the lead (108) and Kingsley Coman extended the advantage two minutes later (110). The cheers that erupted round the stadium at the final whistle, with FCB securing their fifth consecutive quarter-final, were deafening. (read more about this spectacular match here).

3 May 2016 - FC Bayern vs. Atlético Madrid

The tension was palpable that evening in Munich. After a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Atlético Madrid, FC Bayern faced an uphill battle in front of their own fans in the return on 3 May 2016. At the beginning, coach Pep Guardiola's plan worked to perfection as a free-kick from Xabi Alonso squared the tie. Just two minutes later, Bayern even had a chance to go 2-0 up, but Thomas Muller failed to convert a penalty against goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Atlético put themselves in front on aggregate in the 53rd minute when a counter-attack was finished off by Antoine Griezmann to make it 1-1, but the Reds battled on and regained the lead on the night in the 74th minute through Robert Lewandowski (2-1). Manuel Neuer also saved a penalty from Fernando Torres (85). In the end, however, FC Bayern ultimately fell at the semi-final hurdle, with Atlético going through courtesy of the away goal rule. 

16 May 2016 - FC Bayern vs. Borussia Dortmund

Once again these two teams played their part in a thrilling DFB Cup final. On 16 May 2016, FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund met in a final for the fourth time in four years. After cup finals in 2012 (2-5) and 2014 (2-0 after extra time) as well as the Champions League final in 2013 (2-1), the arch-rivals were separated by virtue of a penalty shootout in Berlin in 2016. Douglas Costa scored the winning penalty and Bayern celebrated their 18th cup triumph.

18 April 2017 - Real Madrid vs. FC Bayern

The Bavarians went into the quarter-final second leg of the 2016/17 Champions League against Real Madrid in a difficult position. The Munich team lost 2-1 at home in the first leg and the game didn’t start well in the return fixture, with last year's winners starting aggressively at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, creating many chances for themselves, but Manuel Neuer kept Real at bay and his Bayern team in the game. At the other end of the pitch, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty in the 53rd minute to make it 1-0, but Cristiano Ronaldo was able to equalise for Real. The Bavarians were not deterred, though, and levelled the tie on aggregate thanks to an own goal from Sergio Ramos (78). Six minutes before the end of normal time, Arturo Vidal was shown a questionable second yellow card. Nevertheless, FCB forced the men from Madrid into extra time.

There, however, the Munich team’s one-man disadvantage took its toll, and Bayern succumbed to defeat by a clear margin. Two more goals from Ronaldo and a strike from Marco Asensio made the final score 4-2. This match was also the last Champions League appearance for both Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso.

1 May 2018 - Real Madrid vs. FC Bayern

A year later and another duel with Los Blancos: it was a thrilling and highly dramatic tie. even if for Bayern it was not a happy ending. In the semi-finals of the 2017/18 Champions League, FC Bayern and Real Madrid went toe-to-toe for a place in the final. The Munich side already produced a convincing first-leg performance at the Allianz Arena, but it was the visitors who were more clinical in front of goal. Bayern still had hope after the 2-1 defeat. In the second leg, FCB were red-hot from the start: Joshua Kimmich, who had scored in the home game, gave the German record champions the lead in just the third minute. However, a brace from Karim Benzema (11, 46) flipped the tie on its head in favour of the Spaniards. James Rodríguez’s equaliser in the 63rd minute was ultimately too little too late. In the end, FCB threw the kitchen sink at Real, but the ball just wouldn't go in. The Bavarians were beaten in a battle between two world-class teams, and despite the loss they were able to leave the pitch with their heads held high.

25 May 2019 - FC Bayern vs. RB Leipzig

Bayern celebrating once again in Berlin! On 25 May 2019, the men from Munich defeated RB Leipzig 3-0 in the final of the DFB Cup and celebrated their 19th cup success. With the league title won a week earlier, this was the 12th double in the club's history. It could have all been so different though, with Manuel Neuer’s sensational save in the 11th minute preventing an early setback. The Germany goalkeeper was in top form throughout the game, chipping in with some brilliant saves. Bayern's romp to victory began in the 29th minute, when Robert Lewandowski gave RB keeper Péter Gulácsi no chance with a world-class header from 12 yards. With twelve minutes remaining, Kingsley Coman doubled the lead before Lewandowski scored his second goal to seal it.