Harry Kane and Luis Díaz fire Bayern Munich to DFB Cup final with assured victory over Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern Munich are through to the DFB Cup final after a commanding display away to Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena. Harry Kane and Luis Díaz were the heroes on the night, their goals clinching the team's spot in the Berlin showpiece.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Bayern Munich
Goals: 0-1 Kane 22’ (assist: Musiala), 0-2 Díaz 90’+3 (assist: Goretzka)
Fresh from securing their 34th Bundesliga title, Bayern continued their quest for a domestic double as they faced Leverkusen in the DFB Cup semi-final. Both sides had navigated difficult paths to this stage, with Bayern eliminating the Bundesliga trio of Cologne, Union Berlin and RB Leipzig, while the hosts had overcome Borussia Dortmund in the previous round.
Kane breaks the deadlock
Bayern started the brighter of the two sides, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Dayot Upamecano had the first clear opportunity in the 6th minute, firing over from 12 yards after a well-worked corner routine.
Díaz then tested Mark Flekken with a curling effort in the 16th minute. The sustained pressure then paid off in the 22nd minute when Kane broke the deadlock.
Jamal Musiala drove down the right flank before cutting the ball back across the box, and Kane thundered his finish into the roof of the net. The English striker nearly doubled the lead shortly before half-time, but dragged his half-volley narrowly wide after a defensive mix-up.
Leverkusen fight back but Bayern prevail
Although Leverkusen emerged from the break with renewed vigour, Die Werkself nearly found themselves two behind in the 50th minute. Musiala appeared certain to double Bayern's advantage when he chipped an onrushing Flekken, but Robert Andrich produced a heroic clearance off the line.
Two minutes later, the hosts registered their first shot on target when Nathan Tella forced a fingertip save from Manuel Neuer after good work by Alejandro Grimaldo. Nevertheless, Bayern weathered this brief storm and reasserted control, with Kane drawing another fine save from Flekken in the 62nd minute.
Despite their dominance, the visitors couldn't find a second goal, ensuring a tense finale as Leverkusen continued to threaten on the counter. Patrik Schick went close with a header in the 70th minute, but Bayern finally sealed victory in stoppage time when Díaz finished clinically after being set up by substitute Leon Goretzka.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bayer Leverkusen 0.30 - Bayern Munich 2.86
Fastest player: Alphonso Davies (Bayern), 36.82 km/h
Most pressed player: Michael Olise (Bayern), 36 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Michael Olise (Bayern), +4.01
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