First half: Bayern on top
Bayern asserted themselves from the off and only a goal-line block from Dominik Kohr stopped Thomas Müller’s header from going in after six minutes. The hosts’ early pressure paid off in the 13th minute, though, when Müller picked out the unmarked Ivan Perišić, whose diving header left Kevin Trapp with no chance.
Eintracht, sporting shirts with #BlackLivesMatter on the front as part of the club’s campaign against racism, did settle down for a period after that, albeit without fashioning any real opportunities. Kingsley Coman hit the side-netting at the far post as the next wave of Bayern attacks came around the half-hour mark, before Trapp made a superb save from Robert Lewandowski’s wicked shot. The holders continued to push for a second goal before half-time but the Eagles weathered the storm and were relieved to only be one down at the break.
Second half: Eintracht come out fighting
The Eagles started the second period with greater intent and made it a more even contest, seeing more of the ball in the opposition half and quelling the Bayern attack. The double introduction of Daichi Kamada and da Costa sparked further life into Eintracht’s play and it was those two who combined for the equaliser in the 69th minute, with da Costa providing the finish for his first goal since December.
But as the game became more open, the hosts retook the lead just five minutes later. Lewandowski’s goal from Alphonso Davies’ ball was originally disallowed for offside, but the video assistant overruled the decision to the Eagles’ despair. Hütter’s men then threw caution to the wind in search of another equaliser, but Lucas Torró’s header over the bar was the closest they came and Bayern held on to book their place in the final.
Summary: Made to sweat
Although the Eagles could count themselves somewhat fortunate not to be further behind at the break, they certainly seized the opportunity in the second half and made Bayern work for it – more than they’ve had to against most teams during their 21-match unbeaten run. Hütter’s side will take heart from their second-half display as they look to secure their Bundesliga status this weekend against Hertha BSC.
SGE line-up
Trapp - Abraham, Hinteregger, Ndicka - Toure (da Costa 66’), Kohr (Dost 77’), Rode, Ilsanker (Torró 77’), Chandler - Gacinovic (Kamada 66’) - Silva
Goals
1-0 Perišić (14’)
1-1 Da Costa (69’)
2-1 Lewandowski (74’)