Bayern overcome Bayer Leverkusen to reach DFB Cup final

FC Bayern beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 to advance to the DFB Cup final for the first time in six years. Harry Kane handed Munich the lead midway through the first half, but for all their dominance, Vincent Kompany’s men had to wait for Luis Díaz to put the game to bed in added time.

Bayern lined up with Manuel Neuer in goal and Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Konrad Laimer in defence. Aleksandar Pavlović and Joshua Kimmich anchored a midfield featuring Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Díaz, with Kane as the target man. Alphonso Davies, Leon Goretzka and Minjae Kim came on for Laimer, Pavlović and Musiala in the second half.

Kane opens

Bayern went straight onto the front foot, with Upamecano seeing an effort deflected behind and Díaz drawing a fine save from goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Kane and Laimer had efforts saved, but Munich took the lead when Musiala’s cross found Kane, who smashed into the roof of the net.

Flekken saved again from Kimmich and Olise. Kane volleyed over one of 10 Bayern attempts in the first half, with Leverkusen unable to register a single shot.

Chances before late finish

The pattern was similar after the restart, Musiala seeing his dink over Flekken scrambled away. Bayern had Neuer to thank for preserving the lead when he tipped Nathan Tella’s drive around the post. Munich applied further pressure but were unable to double their advantage, Flekken saving from Stanišić and Kane before Musiala and Stanišić put efforts wide.

Patrik Schick’s header went over before Díaz saw his shot tipped behind. Leverkusen pushed for an equaliser but without creating much, allowing Bayern to put the tie to bed in added time when Díaz slotted home from Goretzka’s square. It was initially ruled out for offside but given after review as Bayern claimed a deserved victory to progress to the final in Berlin.

The Bavarians will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to face Mainz in the Bundesliga. They will take on either VfB Stuttgart or Freiburg in the final in Berlin on 23 May.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen