FC Bayern Munich advanced to the DFB-Pokal final for the first time since 2020, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the semi-final away from home. This victory, marked by disciplined defending and clinical finishing, positions the Munich club for a shot at domestic silverware amid a demanding season. Standout contributions from key figures underscored their return to form in high-stakes knockout encounters.
Goalkeeping Mastery Anchors Defensive Resilience
Manuel Neuer delivered a composed performance, facing minimal pressure until a superb save denied Nathan Tella in the 52nd minute, which he celebrated with the fervor of a goal. His decisive smothering of a counter-attack near the halfway line in the 75th minute further solidified the backline, earning a rating of 2.5. Dayot Upamecano complemented this with confident defending, including a strong tackle on Tella midway through the first half, while venturing forward to shoot over from a set piece and regain possession for the opening goal; his rating stood at an impressive 1.5. Jonathan Tah, sharp and anticipatory at his former club, also rated 2.5, reading plays effectively throughout.
Midfield Tenacity Drives Forward Momentum
Josip Stanisic, one of four holdovers from an earlier lineup, pressed into the penalty area in the 56th minute, drawing a foul from Ernest Poku on his ankle before continuing, rated at 3. Konrad Laimer drifted centrally as a reliable passing outlet, pressing aggressively despite five fouls conceded, also rated 3. Joshua Kimmich frequently won possession in midfield but struggled with precision on lobbed and through balls, earning a 3. Aleksandar Pavlovic picked up a yellow card for a sliding tackle on Ibrahim Maza just before half-time and escaped further sanction after striking Maza in the face later, leading to a precautionary substitution and a 3.5 rating.
Attacking Flair Seals the Decisive Edge
Michael Olise, in his 100th competitive outing for Bayern, dazzled with a backheel pass to Musiala that set up Harry Kane's opener, though his provocation sparked a scuffle with Exequiel Palacios before the break, rated 2. Jamal Musiala buzzed with creativity, laying on the first goal and nearly adding his own in the 49th minute when Robert Andrich cleared off the line; he has now contributed to five goals or assists in his last four appearances, rated 2. Luis Diaz tested Mark Flecken early with a crisp 16th-minute shot, intelligently let a Musiala cross run for Kane's goal, and sealed the win with a VAR-confirmed second in stoppage time, also rated 2. Kane converted the opener after an unsuccessful penalty appeal but missed further chances, rated 2.
Substitutions Provide Late Stability
Leon Goretzka entered for Pavlovic in the 74th minute, assisting Diaz's clincher despite a wayward finish shortly after. Alphonso Davies replaced Laimer at the same juncture, shifting to left-back and outpacing Maza on a counter. Min-Jae Kim came on for Musiala in the 84th minute. None received formal ratings, but their input maintained control through the close.