Bayern Munich defeated host Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 on Wednesday with goals from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz to reach the final of the German Cup (DFB Pokal) for the first time in six years.
The host was no match for the Bavarians, who had only secured the league title on Sunday and were in control for much of the match. Bayern also travel to Paris Saint-Germain next week for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
Leverkusen tried to remain competitive for about 20 minutes but then fell 1-0 behind when Kane drilled in from close range in the 22nd minute for his seventh goal in the competition this season.
“It was a top performance from start to finish,” said Kane. «We put them under pressure and won the ball high. We should have scored more goals and decided the game earlier.»
«Overall they didn’t create many chances and we deserved the win. We said at the beginning of the season that the German Cup was a goal. I’m very happy we got there.»
The England international, who was the man of the match and also leads the Bundesliga top scorer list with 32 goals, came close again in the 40th minute with a powerful shot that flew narrowly wide.
By halftime, Bayern, without the injured Serge Gnabry, who will also miss the World Cup due to an adductor tear, had nine shots on target to Leverkusen’s clean sheet.
Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand is under pressure and his team is also in danger of missing Champions League football next season. Still, his players became more aggressive after the break.
Nathan Tella tested Bayern’s Manuel Neuer with a low drive in the 52nd minute, but the keeper did well to put the ball wide. However, the visitor struck in injury time through Diaz and scored his ticket for the final. It will face the winner of the semi-final between VfB Stuttgart and Freiburg on Thursday.
«Since my first day at the club, they have been talking about going back to Berlin and that we can bring them back there, that is something big for the club,» said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.
«It feels like we don’t have time to enjoy this success because we are always thinking about the next games. But what matters is that we are still in every competition.»
Published on April 23, 2026
