The first DFB Cup finalists have been confirmed. World Cup winner Thomas Müller fired record champions FC Bayern to Berlin on Tuesday evening, scoring both goals as the Munich club recorded a 2-0 win over SV Werder Bremen. The Germany international headed the hosts into the lead on the half-hour mark, before securing a 21th final appearance for Bayern from the penalty spot in the second period.
75,000 fans watched on in the Allianz Arena as the two sides delivered an entertaining semi-final. Werder went toe to toe with the Bundesliga leaders, but ultimately luck was on Bayern’s side. They will now face the winners of the clash between Hertha BSC and Dortmund on Wednesday evening at the Olympiastadion (20:30 CEST).
Unmarked Müller heads home
Werder began courageously, looking to attack Bayern early on and they weren’t afraid to commit men forward. The home side took a few minutes to find their feet, but soon began pressing Bremen back towards their own penalty area.
The Bavarians’ link-up play improved as the game went on, but in the end it was a set piece that handed them the lead. Thomas Müller found himself in acres of space to head in from a corner after his marker Clemens Fritz had slipped.
Müller fired another effort narrowly wide moments after the opener, but soon it was Bayern’s turn to breathe a sigh of relief. World Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer accidentally played the ball straight to Sambou Yatabaré well outside of his area, but was just about able to get back in time to intercept the Werder man’s lob.
Werder always a threat, Müller cool as ice
The Munich club had control of the early stages of the second half too, but they failed to create any clear-cut chances with their possession. In fact it was the visitors who offered the most danger, as Theodor Gebre Selassie’s drilled delivery was inches away from being turned in by Jannik Vestergaard. The ball then did end up in the back of Bayern’s net minutes later, when David Alaba’s failed clearance looped over Neuer’s head and over the line, but referee Tobias Stieler ruled the goal out for a foul on the Austrian by Fin Bartels.
Bremen were left to rue those missed opportunities soon after, as Thomas Müller converted from the penalty spot to all but end the game as a contest. The Munich club could have added to the scoreline, but Arturo Vidal fired over in the 82nd minute. However, it would have been a third goal not reflective of the overall game, as Werder always looked capable of beating Bayern to the first final spot.