Bayern Munich escaped a major setback in the DFB-Pokal, edging just past third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden 3-2 thanks to Harry Kane’s stoppage-time winner at the Brita-Arena on Wednesday night to send the German champions to the next round.
Softfootball reported that this was the first encounter between both sides, and the Bundesliga champions looked in control after Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute and Michael Olise doubled the advantage shortly after the break. But Wiesbaden’s captain Fatih Kaya had other ideas, scoring twice in six minutes to level the tie at 2-2 and send the home fans into raptures.
Bayern nearly restored their lead in the 75th minute when they were awarded another penalty, but Florian Stritzel, who was sensational all night with 10 saves, denied Kane from the spot and kept the hosts dreaming of an upset.
The game seemed destined for extra time until the 94th minute, when Josip Stanišić whipped in a cross and Kane rose highest to nod home his second of the night, sparing Bayern’s blushes and sending them into the next round.
For all of Bayern’s dominance in possession and chances, Wiesbaden refused to fold. Kaya punished defensive lapses with clinical finishing, while Stritzel produced a string of heroic saves to frustrate Luis Díaz, Raphael Guerreiro, and Olise throughout the evening.
The win was a relief for Vincent Kompany’s side, who have been knocked out of the Pokal before the semi-final stage for five consecutive seasons.
Harry Kane was clearly the star of the show, and Bayern Munich posted a video of the Englishman on their official X handle, sharing a moment with the fans who travelled to watch him play.
Watch the video below:
While they advanced, this performance will serve as a reminder of the competition’s unpredictability – and of how close they came to joining Werder Bremen as a Bundesliga casualty in the opening round.
Bayern move on, but Wiesbaden depart with pride after pushing Germany’s most successful club to the brink.
