Bayern Munich Advances to German Cup Quarter-Finals with Thrilling Victory
Bayern Munich extended their unbeaten streak in domestic competitions to 25 games with a dramatic victory over FC Union Berlin, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the German Cup.
The match started with an own goal from Union forward Ilyas Ansah, followed by a header from Harry Kane, giving Bayern a 2-0 lead within the first 24 minutes. However, Leopold Querfeld reduced the deficit by converting a penalty after Jonathan Tah was penalized for handball.
Just before half-time, Diogo Leite inadvertently scored an own goal, restoring Bayern's two-goal advantage. Querfeld struck again from the penalty spot after Kane was deemed to have fouled Leite while challenging for an aerial ball.
Bayern, who have remained undefeated in domestic matches since March, had previously shown vulnerability at set pieces during a 2-2 draw against Union in the Bundesliga last month. This time, it was the hosts who struggled to handle corners, allowing Bayern to capitalize on their mistakes.
Kane netted his 25th goal of the season across all competitions, a feat matched only by Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid. His influence was evident when his movement during a Michael Olise free-kick led to Leite heading the ball into his own net, although Kane later gave Union a chance to equalize by catching Leite with a raised arm.
The chaotic nature of the match played to Union's advantage, as they pressured Bayern by winning second balls, yet they squandered several opportunities to level the score.
Luis Diaz believed he had secured the win with a precise finish in the 75th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
With this victory, Bayern joins 2023 winners Bayer Leverkusen and reigning champions VfB Stuttgart in the quarter-finals, both of whom triumphed over Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum, respectively.