Bayern Munich have struggled in the DFB Pokal since 2020. They have not progressed in the latter stages of the competition since the treble-winning campaign under Hansi Flick. Considering this context, the 3-2 win against Union Berlin in the round of 16 on Wednesday was crucial for Bayern.
Since Bayern have struggled in this competition over the last few years, Kompany didn’t go for heavy rotation for the clash against Union Berlin. Jonas Urbig had played in the first two rounds, but Manuel Neuer returned to the goal on Wednesday. Lennart Karl got his fourth consecutive start in the attack.
Die Roten found it difficult to get in rhythm at the same venue 25 days ago in the Bundesliga. Wednesday’s game also had a tense start for Kompany’s men as they were struggling to dominate the hosts. Bayern got a lucky break early in the game through an own goal in the 12th minute. A terrific delivery from the corner by Joshua Kimmich was bundled home by Ilyas Ansah.
The hosts were keeping Die Roten quiet from open play, but they did look shaky while playing out from the back as the visitors pressed aggressively. Bayern doubled their lead in the 24th minute through another set-piece. Kimmich delivered another pinpoint cross from the corner to find Kane in the six-yard box. The English striker managed to beat his defender to put the ball in the net.
Even though Bayern were not creating chances in abundance, they looked solid defensively. Union Berlin hardly created any chances in the first half. However, the hosts got a lifeline in the 38th minute as Jonathan Tah ended up handling the ball in the box while heading the ball back to Manuel Neuer. With VAR’s intervention, Union Berlin got the penalty. It was converted emphatically by Leopold Querfeld, bringing the hosts back in the game before the half-time whistle.
However, Die Roten managed to regain the lead of two goals late in the first half through another set-piece. Michael Olise whipped a dangerous cross from a free kick outside the box. The French forward’s cross was converted into a goal by Diogo Liete. The hosts had scored three goals in one half, but two were at the wrong end.
Bayern had to dig deep to get the win in the second half
After the late setback in the first half, Union Berlin responded well in the second half. They got the opportunity to reduce Die Roten’s lead when Harry Kane committed a foul in the box. Querfeld converted from the spot comfortably to make it 3-2 with 35 minutes left in the game.
It became a cagey affair as both sides had multiple opportunities to get on the scoresheet. Querfeld had a golden opportunity to complete his hat-trick late in the game, but Die Roten defended resolutely to hold on to the lead.
Vincent Kompany will be delighted with the result, but the performance was far from perfect. Considering Bayern’s poor record in this competition over the last five years, the Bavarian faithful will be pleased to just see their team qualify for the quarter-final.