FC Bayern Munich advanced to the DFB-Pokal final after a 2-0 victory away at Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final. This marks their first appearance in the final since 2020, ending a four-year absence from the decisive stage. The result underscores a disciplined defensive effort combined with clinical finishing from key contributors.
Defensive Resilience Anchors the Performance
Manuel Neuer anchored the backline with minimal tests early on, delivering a superb save against Nathan Tella in the 52nd minute and smothering a counter-attack near halfway in the 75th. His rating of 2.5 reflected rare but decisive interventions. Dayot Upamecano complemented this with confident defending, including a strong tackle midway through the first half, while pushing forward to shoot over from a set piece and recover possession for the opening goal; his 1.5 rating highlighted dominance. Jonathan Tah, sharp at his former club, anticipated plays effectively for a 2.5 rating.
Midfield Control and Discipline Prevail
Josip Stanisic endured after a foul in the 56th minute, earning a 3 rating amid limited surviving starters. Konrad Laimer drifted centrally as a passing hub, aggressive in challenges that drew five fouls, rated at 3. Joshua Kimmich reclaimed possession often in midfield but struggled with precision on lobbed and through balls, also at 3. Aleksandar Pavlovic picked up a yellow before half-time for a sliding tackle on Ibrahim Maza and risked further sanction later, leading to his 74th-minute withdrawal with a 3.5 rating.
Attacking Flair Delivers the Goals
Michael Olise marked his 100th appearance with a brilliant backheel to set up the 1-0 goal via Musiala, though provocative at times, rated 2. Jamal Musiala buzzed with creativity, assisting Harry Kane's opener and nearly scoring himself in the 49th minute, contributing to five goals or assists in four recent outings for a 2 rating. Luis Diaz tested the keeper early, intelligently let a 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 unawarded penalty appeal but missed further chances, still earning a 2.
Substitutions Seal Comfortable Margin
Leon Goretzka entered for Pavlovic in the 74th minute, assisting Diaz's goal despite a wayward shot. Alphonso Davies replaced Laimer at left-back and outran Maza on a counter. Min-Jae Kim came on for Musiala in the 84th minute. These changes maintained control without individual ratings, ensuring progression to the final.
