DFB Pokal Semi-final Round Up

DFB Pokal Semi-final Round Up

Cup football returned this week to Germany. Following the successful resumption of the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal action picked up from the semi-final stage; also behind closed doors.

Saarbrücken prove no challenge for Leverkusen

On Tuesday night Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen travelled to the state of Saarland, on the Germany-France border to take on fourth tier side Saarbrucken. Minnows Saarbrucken hadn’t played a competitive fixture for 94 days before welcoming Leverkusen. When football was suspended in March table toppers Saarbrucken, were awarded the Regionalliga Sudwest title and promotion. Could they conceivably pull off the shock to top all shocks.

Despite missing wonderkid Kai Havertz through injury, Bayer Leverkusen swept aside their lower league opposition. Saarbrucken struggled throughout the first 10 minutes. The player heat-map focused solely on the Saarbrucken 18 yard box must’ve almost caught fire at this stage. Eventually and seemingly inevitably Leverkusen took the lead, 20 year old Moussa Diaby with a smart finish after a chipped ball over the busy Saarbrucken defence. Argentine Lucas Alario doubled the lead minutes later with a powerful finish, it seemed as if the floodgates may open.

To the credit of hosts Saarbrucken they never gave up and kept Leverkusen quiet until half time. On the hour mark Karim Bellarabi put the game beyond all reasonable doubt, owing to the third assist of the night from the impressive Kerem Demirbay. It finished three nil, Saarbrucken’s incredible run was over, they could walk off on their big night with their heads held high. Bayer Leverkusen could sit back and watch after booking their spot in the final.

83% – @bayer04_en recorded 83% possession in the first half against #Saarbrücken. Overwhelming. #FCSB04 #DFBPokal pic.twitter.com/OkJUQ4V0dc

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) June 9, 2020

Bayern Edge Out Frankfurt 

In what was sure to be a more even affair on Wednesday for the second semi-final. Runaway leaders Bayern Munich faced Frankfurt at an empty Allianz Arena in an all Bundesliga clash. It was however one way traffic throughout the first half, similarly to the night before. Munich squandered multiple opportunities in the opening exchanges, including a miss from less than a yard from the prolific Robert Lewandowski.

Experienced Croatian Ivan Perisic headed Bayern in front on the 14 minute mark. This was to be the only goal of the first half, to the dismay of Manager Hans Flick. The game could and perhaps should be beyond doubt.

Davies ?
Kimmich ?
Lewandowski ⚽
Goal ?
Offside ❓
VAR ?
GOAL ✅@lewy_official takes Bayern to Berlin. pic.twitter.com/aLI2gSHX4m

— The DFB-Pokal (@DFBPokal_EN) June 10, 2020

Frankfurt improved markedly in the second half and deservedly equalised through substitute Danny da Costa. This poked Bayern back into life and not to be denied a second time, the Polish goal machine Robert Lewandowski put the hosts back into the lead. This time there was to be no equaliser and Bayern were into the final.

The final will now be on July 4th at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. Two of Germany’s most decorated clubs will do battle for the DFB Pokal 2020 trophy in what is sure to be a titanic clash.

Put it in your diaries ?#DFBPokal #Berlin2020 #B04FCB pic.twitter.com/YO0n6QygWF

— The DFB-Pokal (@DFBPokal_EN) June 11, 2020

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘DFB Pokal Semi-final Round Up.’ Who do you think will be crowned this years DFB Pokal champions? Let us know!

Read more here on football:

• The Lower League Football Time Bomb: Covid, Club and Community
• The Most Ridiculous Football Fines
• Daniel Sturridge’s Ban and Betting in Football