'Treble in sight': Kim Min-jae, just one win away from a double... DFB Pokal final qualification

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Min-jae's Bayern Munich has just one win left to secure a double. Having advanced to the cup final, the team has gained momentum toward a trophy sweep.

On the 23rd (Korea time), Munich defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the 2025–2026 DFB Pokal semi-final held at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany.

With this victory, Munich has secured a spot in the DFB Pokal final. Munich will face the winner of the quarter-final match between VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg, scheduled for the 24th, in the long-awaited final at Berlin's Olympiastadion on May 24.

Munich aims for a treble this season. The Bundesliga title has already been secured, and the team has also reached the DFB Pokal final and the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-finals. With the possibility of becoming the first European club to achieve a treble for the third time after 2012–2013 and 2019–2020, the chances are substantial.

Kim Min-jae was substituted into the match in the 39th minute of the second half. During the late-stage goal by Luis Díaz in stoppage time, Kim Min-jae delivered a precise through pass to exploit the space behind Leverkusen's defense.

Munich fielded its best 11 against Leverkusen. Harry Kane led the front line, with Díaz, Jamal Musiala, and Michael Olise supporting from the second line. Aleksandar Pavlović and Joshua Kimmich anchored the central midfield, while Konrad Laimer, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, and Josip Stanišić formed the back four. Manuel Neuer wore the goalkeeper's gloves.

Home team Leverkusen deployed Patric Schick as the striker, with Nathan Tella and Ibrahim Maïga in the second line. Alejandro Grimaldo, Alex García, Ezequiel Palacios, and Lucas Vázquez lined up in midfield, while Edmund Topsoe, Robert Andrich, and Zarek Kwasny formed the back three. Mark Flekken guarded the goal.

The opening goal came in the 22nd minute of the first half. Kane fired a powerful right-footed shot from inside the box, striking the upper corner of the net. The first half ended with Munich leading 1-0.

Kim Min-jae, who had been on the bench, was substituted for Musiala in the 39th minute of the second half when the team was leading 1-0, stepping onto the pitch.

Although the substitution was made to strengthen the defense, Kim Min-jae also left a strong impression in attack. In stoppage time, he sent a through pass from the defensive line near the halfway line, which was relayed through Leon Goretzka to Díaz's decisive goal. The initial call was offside, but after video assistant referee (VAR) review, the goal was officially recognized.

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*This content was translated by AI.