Bayern Munich hit the road to face off with Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal semifinals and the Bavarians picked up right where they left off over the weekend.
Bayern Munich was dominant in controlling Die Werkself during a 2-0 victory, where the home side just never really posed a major threat to the Bavarians. Now, Bayern Munich will head back to the DFB-Pokal final for the first time since the 2019/2020 campaign under Hansi Flick, where the Bavarians picked up a 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Let’s get into it, here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- This was pretty much as expected with the only real debate was between Alphonso Davies and Josip Stanišić at outside-back. You have to give head coach Vincent Kompany credit; he is resisting his urge to just roll Davies out there and let him go. The coach loves the Canadian, but is playing it safe and taking it slow. Bayern Munich would likely be doing the same with Jamal Musiala if it were not for the injuries to Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl.
- Luis Díaz almost put Bayern Munich ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute, but Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken made a big stop in diving to his left. A minute later, Flekken stopped Kane, too. The Dutch goalkeeper was very sharp throughout the game.
- Later Flekken would make a play to stop Laimer, too. What a first 20 minutes for the Dutchman.
- The run of Dutch luck would hit some turbulence in the form of Harry Kane, though. In the 22nd minute, Musiala drove down the right side and slid a pass to Diaz, who just bent his body to let it run through and get to Kane who roofed it for a 1-0 lead.
- What a season Kane is having. The Englishman has been the best player in the world during this campaign and lived up to everything he was billed to be.
- Olise had a great look in the 18th minute, but hit a laser directly at Flekken.
- Kane whipped a half-volley toward the net in the 40th minute, but it sailed wide of the net.
- In the 49th minute, Olise played a great ball into Musiala, who hit an incredible off-angle shot, which was cleared by Robert Andrich before crossing the goal line.
- Manuel Neuer made an outstanding save on Nathan Tella in the 52nd minute.
- Flekken would make another big stop in the 56th minute, this time on Stanišić. Flekken also made a great save on Kane in the 62nd minute. The guy was everywhere.
- In the 3rd minute of added time, Kim Min-jae sent a ball into Leon Goretzka, who slid a pass to Díaz for an easy goal (after a review).
- Díaz continued his excellent season. What a great pickup he has proven to be. Max Eberl deserves a feather in his cap for that one.
- Bayer Leverkusen was much better in the second half, but still really could not find a way around Bayern Munich. The home side did limit the Bavarians to just two goals so that is something.
- Bayern Munich played conservatively in the final 30 minutes, but Bayer Leverkusen did not quit. Despite the loss, Leverkusen did not quit.
- Overall, it was a bit of a ho-hum performance for Bayern Munich, but it got the job done and in this case, that is all that matters. Bayern Munich is back where it belongs — in the DFB-Pokal finale.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Vlahović back on Bayern’s radar? (Sky’s Gianluca DiMarzio)
Dušan Vlahović has been linked to Bayern Munich off-and-on for roughly four years. Now, Sky Sports journalist Gianluca DiMarzio is saying the Bavarians could be in the running for the Serbian striker if he does not extend his contract with Juventus:
If he didn’t extend his contract at Juventus, Dušan Vlahović would be an option for Bayern as a Harry Kane backup and a replacement for Nicolas Jackson. The Serbian striker is out of contract in the summer. Milan are also interested.
LFC makes Diomande its top target (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Liverpool FC is reportedly making RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande its focus for the summer transfer window:
🚨💣 EXCL | Yan #Diomande is now Liverpool’s top target to replace Mo Salah, with the move approved by all #LFC decision-makers.
Concrete talks are ongoing with his new representatives at Roc Nation Sports, although no agreement has been reached yet and the clubs have not entered negotiations.
RB Leipzig are keen to adjust his salary and extend his contract. PSG, led by Luis Campos, are also in the race and have already held a meeting with his agents. @SkySportDE
Falk says Davies is not talking to United (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
Alphonso Davies might not be entirely unsellable for Bayern Munich, but it does not mean the club is looking to sell him, either…especially to Manchester United:
❌ It is NOT TRUE: Manchester United have held talks over signing Alphonso Davies this summer. This hasn’t been confirmed as of yet. I know Bayern Munich would be open to discussing a deal, on the condition that it was a good deal for the club. That’s because Davies has a really good salary (around €20m) and he’s often injured. But I also know that Vincent Kompany loves this player! Before the season, when they were in contract talks with the Canadian, the head coach made it absolutely clear that he needed Davies (specifically his speed to support his coaching philosophy). So, it’s hard to give the left-back away. If he’s again on the pitch and doing his job, then it’s getting hard for any club to sign him. But at the moment, there is a door open.
Bayern eyeing US talent (@MLSTransfers)
Bayern Munich is reportedly taking a look at Red Bull New York central midfielder Adri Mehmeti:
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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