Bayern Munich edged past 1. FC Union Berlin 3-2 in a pulsating DFB-Pokal encounter on Wednesday evening, securing their place in the quarter-finals after a match riddled with errors, VAR interventions and a dramatic shift in momentum. The victory, while ultimately successful for the Bavarian giants, exposed vulnerabilities and raised questions regarding their defensive stability, particularly given the manner in which Union Berlin mounted their comeback.
The early dominance seemed straightforward for Bayern. Two goals, both stemming from Kimmich’s set-piece delivery and crucially assisted by own goals from Union’s Ilyas Ansah and Diogo Leite, put the visitors in a commanding position. However, this initial control proved deceptive. Union Berlin, demonstrating a resilience that belies their league standing, consistently challenged Bayern’s midfield and generated significant pressure.
The match’s narrative took a sharp turn following Jonathan Tah’s handball, culminating in a penalty expertly converted by Leopold Querfeld. Querfeld’s subsequent second penalty, calmly slotted past Manuel Neuer, further underscored Union’s refusal to buckle under the pressure of facing a Bundesliga powerhouse. The repeated success from the spot highlights a potential area for tactical assessment for Bayern – a focus on defending set pieces and preventing fouls in dangerous areas.
While Bayern ultimately held on to their lead, their defensive frailties, particularly the susceptibility to set pieces and the hesitancy shown in crucial moments, will undoubtedly be scrutinized. The aggressive and tenacious play of Union Berlin revealed a lack of composure within the Bayern ranks. The victory, while notable as Bayern’s return to the quarter-finals after a year of absence, serves as a cautionary tale; a reminder that complacency can be a formidable opponent, even for a club of Bayern’s stature. The performance casts a shadow on the team’s ability to maintain consistency and control in high-pressure situations, creating a palpable disconnect between the perceived dominance and the on-field display.