News (engl.)

Bayern München extended their remarkable run of first-round wins in the DFB-Pokal, advancing for the 31st year in a row – but they were made to sweat. The record cup winners surrendered a two-goal lead and needed a 94th-minute header from Harry Kane to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory away at 3. Liga side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Bayern thus became the 17th Bundesliga club and the final team to book their place in the second round. The draw for the next stage will take place on Sunday at 19:00 CEST, with former referee Dr. Felix Brych conducting proceedings.

Bayern were on top early and went ahead through Kane’s first penalty of the night after Sacha Boey was brought down in the box (16’). The Bundesliga champions dominated possession and created further chances, with Florian Stritzel denying both Luis Díaz (33’) and Raphael Guerreiro, before Michael Olise doubled the lead after the break with a composed finish into the near corner (51’).

Wehen Wiesbaden refused to lie down, though, and turned the game on its head. Fatih Kaya halved the deficit at the back post after a deep cross from Niklas May (64’) and then stunned Bayern by slotting home a second six minutes later (70’). Kane had the chance to restore the lead from the spot after being fouled by Milad Nejad Haji Lor, but Stritzel saved brilliantly (76’).

Bayern pushed relentlessly for a winner, but Stritzel remained outstanding and Wiesbaden continued to threaten on the counter. Just when extra time looked inevitable, Kane rose highest in the fourth minute of stoppage time to head home his second of the night and finally settle a thrilling contest. For Wiesbaden, it was a fourth consecutive first-round tie against Bundesliga opposition – and once again, an upset slipped through their fingers.