Key Takeaways:
- Bayern Munich secured a 3:2 win over Union Berlin in the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals on Wednesday night
- The match featured two own goals by Union and two penalties converted by Leopold Querfeld
- Vincent Kompany’s team overcame the only Bundesliga side they had failed to defeat this season
Match Analysis
Bayern Munich booked their place in the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal with a hard-fought 3:2 triumph against Union Berlin in a gripping encounter marked by defensive errors and controversial decisions. Held in the capital, the contest saw the Bavarians take an early advantage thanks to an own goal and a Harry Kane header before surviving a spirited comeback from the hosts, who benefitted from two penalty awards.
𝙅𝙊𝘽 𝘿𝙊𝙉𝙀 𝙄𝙉 𝘽𝙀𝙍𝙇𝙄𝙉! ✅🙌
We're through to the #DFBPokal quarter-finals! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/GrDv0qAAM3
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) December 3, 2025
Ilias Ansa inadvertently opened the scoring in the 12th minute, deflecting Joshua Kimmich’s corner into his own net. Refereeing decisions came into focus, as Union questioned a possible foul on goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow, but play stood. Union’s Danilho Doekhi quickly tested Manuel Neuer with a header, though the Bayern keeper was equal to it.
In the 20th minute, Michael Olise’s effort for Bayern lacked power and was easily handled by Rønnow. Four minutes later, Kimmich once again provided the assist, with Kane rising to nod home Bayern’s second goal into the far corner.
Penalty Drama and Own Goals
Controversy deepened in the 39th minute following a VAR review. A cross into the area struck the arm of Jonathan Tah, and after initially waving play on, the referee consulted the monitor and awarded a penalty for handball. Leopold Querfeld calmly converted, reducing Union’s deficit to 1:2.
Bayern capitalised again before half-time. In added time, Diogo Leite, under pressure from a Michael Olise free kick and Harry Kane’s run, managed to beat both his own goalkeeper and the England striker to the ball, turning it into his own net and restoring Bayern’s two-goal cushion.
Union’s Fightback and Late Opportunities
Union Berlin refused to concede, and in the 53rd minute, they were awarded another penalty after Harry Kane caught Diogo Leite with an elbow inside the box. Once again, Querfeld took responsibility and sent Neuer the wrong way to make it 2:3.
Bayern pressed to consolidate their lead. Kane’s driven effort in the 62nd minute forced Rønnow into a crucial save. At the other end, Leite spurned a chance following a set piece. Luis Diaz was then denied by a desperate goal-line clearance from Leite after getting around Rønnow, and Janik Haberer missed a clear opportunity shortly after.
Bayern appeared to have sealed the match in the 76th minute when Kane’s cross led to Serge Gnabry setting up Diaz, who found the net only to see his effort ruled out for offside. Querfeld agonisingly missed out on a hat-trick in the 85th minute, heading just wide from a right-wing cross.
Statistical Summary
| Team | Goals | Own Goals | Penalties Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Union Berlin | 2 | 2 | 2 (Leopold Querfeld) |
Head-to-Head Context
This fixture came with extra intrigue, as Bayern had drawn 2:2 in their previous Bundesliga meeting with Union Berlin, making this victory all the more significant for Vincent Kompany’s side. With their progress to the quarterfinals confirmed, Bayern continue their pursuit of domestic silverware, having navigated a ferocious challenge from a spirited Union outfit.
