Vincent Kompany Celebrates Berlin Return as Bayern Munich Secure DFB-Pokal Final Spot Over Leverkusen

Vincent Kompany celebrates Bayern Munich’s 2-0 DFB-Pokal win over Leverkusen. Read the manager’s thoughts on the final and the upcoming PSG clash.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 3:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Returning to the Traditional Stage in Berlin

Vincent Kompany described the qualification for the German Cup final as a "great gift" for the club, marking a successful return to the Olympiastadion after several seasons of early exits for the Bavarian giants. Speaking after the 2-0 triumph in Leverkusen, the Belgian tactician emphasized that reaching the Berlin final had been a primary objective since his first day in Munich. He noted that while other competitions demand constant attention, the historic prestige of the DFB-Pokal final remains a cornerstone of the club’s identity. The manager expressed his satisfaction in delivering this milestone to the supporters, affirming that the squad is fully prepared to compete for every trophy available this season.

Tactical Dominance and the Resilience of the Defense

The semi-final clash was defined by a high-tempo first half in which Bayern dictated the rhythm and allowed the hosts virtually no clear opportunities. Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, rewarding a period of sustained pressure that saw Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken forced into several high-caliber saves. Kompany acknowledged that the second half presented a different challenge, as Bayer Leverkusen pushed forward and forced his side to defend deeper than usual. However, the manager praised his team’s defensive discipline, which ultimately provided the platform for a late counterattack finished by Luis Díaz to put the result beyond doubt.

Manuel Neuer’s Leadership and Decisive Interventions

A pivotal moment in the second half saw veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer produce a world-class save that prevented a potential Leverkusen equalizer. Kompany singled out his captain for praise, stating that such moments illustrate why having a goalkeeper of Neuer’s quality is indispensable for a top-tier side. Beyond the physical save, the manager highlighted Neuer’s leadership and calming influence on the younger defenders during the most intense periods of the match. According to Kompany, the strength of the goalkeeping position provides the rest of the team with the confidence necessary to maintain their aggressive tactical approach.