Bayern München advanced to the DFB Pokal final with a clinical 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at BayArena, with Harry Kane and Luis Díaz securing the trophy favorites' passage.
Bayern Munich dominated this semi-final encounter from start to finish, overwhelming their hosts with superior attacking intent and defensive discipline. Bayer Leverkusen offered limited resistance throughout the 90 minutes, managing just one shot on target despite playing at home. The Bavarian giants controlled proceedings with 53% possession and 20 total shots, demonstrating why they remain the competition's most dangerous outfit.
Kane opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the Leverkusen box. The English striker finished clinically to give Bayern an early advantage. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the first half, with Bayern dictating play and creating numerous chances.
Leverkusen struggled to generate any meaningful attacking opportunities. Mark Flekken, the home goalkeeper, found himself with little to do in the opening period. Bayern's midfield controlled the tempo, with Joshua Kimmich and his teammates cutting through Leverkusen's defensive shape repeatedly.
Edmond Tapsoba received a yellow card in the 38th minute for a heavy challenge. Three minutes later, Bayern's Aleksandar Pavlovic also saw yellow for a foul. Both sides showed frustration as the half progressed, though Bayern never lost their composure or intensity.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Bayern continued pressing forward while Leverkusen remained passive and reactive. Flekken kept his team in the contest with eight impressive saves, denying Bayern multiple times when a second goal seemed inevitable.
Alejandro Grimaldo picked up a yellow card in the 76th minute as Leverkusen's frustration grew. Bayern's dominance remained complete, with the hosts unable to create any clear-cut chances of their own. The game became increasingly one-sided as the minutes ticked away.
Luis Díaz sealed Bayern's passage to the final in the 90th minute, adding a second goal in injury time. The Colombian winger finished from close range after Bayern's relentless pressure finally broke through Leverkusen's tired defense. This goal ended any lingering doubt about the outcome.
Bayern's statistics tell the story of their dominance. They registered 11 shots on target compared to Leverkusen's single effort. Kane and Díaz led the attacking charge, with both players finding the net. Flekken's eight saves kept the scoreline respectable for the home side.
Bayern Munich will now face the DFB Pokal final as heavy favorites to claim the trophy. Bayer Leverkusen's disappointing performance raises questions about their form heading into the final weeks of the season. The Bavarians showed exactly why they remain Germany's most formidable force.
