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 side for a shot at domestic silverware amid a demanding season. Key contributions from the squad underscored their depth and resilience in a high-stakes encounter.

Goalkeeping Mastery Anchors Defensive Solidity

Manuel Neuer delivered a commanding display, 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 preserved the clean sheet, earning a rating of 2.5. Dayot Upamecano complemented this with a robust performance, executing a firm tackle on Tella midway through the first half, venturing forward to shoot over after a set-piece, and regaining possession for the opening goal, rated at 1.5. Jonathan Tah, sharp at his former club, anticipated plays effectively throughout, also rated 2.5.

Midfield Control and Creative Flair Drive the Attack

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 3. Konrad Laimer drifted centrally as a reliable passing outlet, committing five fouls in aggressive challenges, also rated 3. Joshua Kimmich frequently won possession in midfield but struggled with imprecise lobbed and through balls, rated 3. Aleksandar Pavlovic picked up a yellow card for a sliding tackle on Ibrahim Maza before half-time and escaped further sanction after striking him in the face later, prompting a precautionary substitution, rated 3.5.

Frontline Precision Seals the Victory

Michael Olise, in his 100th competitive outing, dazzled with a backheel assist to Musiala for Harry Kane's opener, though his provocative style sparked a scuffle with Exequiel Palacios, rated 2. Jamal Musiala buzzed with creativity, laying on the first goal and nearly adding his own in the 49th minute before Robert Andrich's clearance, contributing to five goals or assists in four recent appearances, rated 2. Luis Diaz tested Mark Flecken early with a crisp 16th-minute shot, intelligently left Musiala's cross for Kane, and converted the second goal confirmed by VAR in stoppage time, rated 2. Kane opened the scoring from open play after an unawarded penalty appeal but missed further chances, rated 2.

Substitutes Provide Late Reinforcement

Leon Goretzka entered for Pavlovic in the 74th minute, assisting Diaz's clincher despite a wayward finish. Alphonso Davies replaced Laimer at left-back, quickly outpacing Maza on a counter. Min-Jae Kim came on for Musiala in the 84th minute. None received formal ratings, but their impact bolstered the 2-0 margin.