FC Bayern Munich have secured their place in the DFB-Pokal final for the first time in six years, reigniting hopes of a historic treble. The Bundesliga giants will face Bayer Leverkusen in the showpiece match, with coach Thomas Tuchel’s side aiming to cap a season that could see them win the league, cup and Champions League.
The journey to the final began with a hard-fought semifinal victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, where Bayern prevailed 2-1 after extra time. Harry Kane scored the decisive goal in the 105th minute, heading home a cross from Joshua Kimmich to send the Allianz Arena into raptures. The win ended Frankfurt’s hopes of a first major trophy since 2018 and set up a final date with Leverkusen, who knocked out Kaiserslautern in the other semifinal.
“Es läuft überragend gut,” said Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund after the semifinal, using the German phrase that translates to “it’s going exceptionally well.” His words captured the mood inside the club, where belief is growing that this season could yield all three major trophies. Bayern currently lead the Bundesliga by four points with three games remaining and will face Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals.
Reaching the DFB-Pokal final marks a significant milestone for Tuchel in his first full season at the helm. The German tactician took over in March 2023 and has since guided Bayern to back-to-back league titles, but cup success had eluded him until now. Last season, Bayern were eliminated in the second round by Saarbrücken, a third-tier side, highlighting how far they’ve come in a year.
The last time Bayern won the DFB-Pokal was in 2019, when they defeated RB Leipzig 3-0 in the final. That victory was part of a domestic double, as they also claimed the Bundesliga title that year. Since then, they have reached the final only once – in 2020, when they lost to Leverkusen – making this year’s appearance their first in six years.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, are seeking their first major trophy since 1993 and have been imperious under Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has transformed the side into one of Europe’s most exciting teams, blending high pressing with fluid attacking play. Leverkusen lead the Bundesliga by two points over Bayern and remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, a streak that stretches to 44 games.
Should Bayern win the cup, they would join an elite group of German clubs to have achieved the treble. Only Bayern themselves have done it before, in 2013 under Jupp Heynckes, when they defeated Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final after already securing the league, and cup. A repeat would cement Tuchel’s legacy and place this Bayern side among the greatest in club history.
The final will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on May 25, 2024, as per tradition. The venue has hosted the DFB-Pokal final annually since 1985 and holds over 74,000 spectators. Berlin last welcomed the showpiece in 2023, when Eintracht Frankfurt defeated RB Leipzig 2-0. For Bayern, it will be a familiar setting – they have won the cup at the Olympiastadion five times, most recently in 2019.
Key players will be crucial to Bayern’s chances. Harry Kane, in his first season with the club, has already scored 44 goals across all competitions and leads the Bundesliga in scoring. His aerial prowess and composure in big moments make him a constant threat. Joshua Kimmich, meanwhile, continues to dictate play from midfield, completing over 90% of his passes in recent games and providing the assist for Kane’s semifinal winner.
Defensively, Bayern will rely on the experience of Dayot Upamecano and the versatility of Konrad Laimer. Upamecano has formed a solid partnership with Matthijs de Ligt, while Laimer’s ability to cover ground and break up play has been vital in Tuchel’s system. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, though not starting every game due to rotation, remains a commanding presence when called upon.
Leverkusen, for their part, will look to Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick to unlock Bayern’s defense. Wirtz, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, has been instrumental in Alonso’s system, contributing 18 goals and 12 assists this season. Schick, the Czech striker, leads Leverkusen in scoring with 24 goals and poses a constant threat with his movement and finishing.
The tactical battle between Tuchel and Alonso promises to be fascinating. Tuchel may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, using Kane as the lone striker supported by Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry. Alonso, meanwhile, is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-3, relying on wingbacks Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonas Hofmann to provide width while Wirtz operates in the hole behind Schick.
Midfield control will be key. Bayern’s double pivot of Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will aim to disrupt Leverkusen’s rhythm and launch quick transitions. Goretzka, who has scored crucial goals in big games this season, will look to arrive late in the box, while Kimmich focuses on recycling possession and shielding the defense.
For Bayern, the path to the treble runs through Berlin, Madrid and potentially London or Dortmund. After the cup final, they face Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal second leg on May 8, having drawn 2-2 in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Should they advance, they would meet either Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain in the final on June 1 at Wembley Stadium.
The last time Bayern won all three trophies was in 2013, a season defined by resilience and clutch performances. Arjen Robben’s iconic winner in the Champions League final against Dortmund remains one of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Since then, they have come close – winning the league and cup in 2020 but losing the Champions League final to PSG – but have not replicated the full treble.
As the season enters its climax, the atmosphere around the club is electric. Fans have begun to dream openly of lifting all three trophies, a feat that would place this Bayern side in the pantheon of German football greats. For Tuchel, it represents a chance to validate his project at the club and prove he can deliver the ultimate prize.
With the DFB-Pokal final now confirmed, all eyes turn to Berlin on May 25. Whether Bayern can turn their triple dream into reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the journey has already delivered moments worth remembering.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of Bayern Munich’s pursuit of history, including updates on team news, tactical previews and post-match analysis as the season reaches its thrilling conclusion.
