On February 12, 2025, the DFB-Pokal der Frauen will feature its highly anticipated quarterfinal matches, which promises thrilling encounters among some of the best teams in women’s football. The spotlight is undoubtedly on the matchup between FC Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt at 18:30 on the FC Bayern Campus. This clash, which is being called the "top duel," isn't just another game; it's significant for both teams aiming to secure their place in the semifinals.
Fans can catch the action live on pay-TV platforms like Sky, or they can stream it for free on the ZDF Mediathek, which adds to the accessibility of the event for football enthusiasts. The DFB-Pokal has become one of the most exciting tournaments, showcasing the talent and resilience of women's football.
This year’s quarterfinals include intense matchups: TSG Hoffenheim takes on VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV faces Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen competes against SV Werder Bremen. With six Bundesliga teams and two from the second division still in contention, the stakes are high. Every team is vying for advancement, but the matchup between Bayern and Frankfurt is particularly intense, as both clubs are currently competing neck-and-neck for the Bundesliga title, sitting on equal points yet separated by goal difference.
Tanja Pawollek, captain of Eintracht Frankfurt, expressed the gravity of the upcoming duel: "It goes about advancing to the semifinals. Either you make it or you don't. We want to win this knockout game." She admitted the challenge posed by Bayern, as they are known for their top-tier performance and formidable presence on the field. "We believe we have a chance. We've had some momentum, and we want to carry it forward," she noted, emphasizing her team’s confidence and readiness for the challenge.
The anticipation for this quarterfinal is high. Just months prior, these teams faced off during the league competition, resulting in a 1:1 draw. Pawollek mentioned, "We can genuinely say we are on equal footing with Bayern now, and details will probably decide who advances and who doesn't. We need to be on our A-game with the right touch of luck to make it through."
Bayern’s coach Alexander Straus is equally aware of the challenge posed by Frankfurt: "We push each other to get more competitive. It will be close." He is mindful of how pivotal this match is not only for progressing but also for instilling confidence within his squad. Both teams enter this match after strong performances, with Bayern also aiming to redeem themselves after their last season’s semi-final elimination.
Another intriguing subplot to this match involves FC Bayern’s goalkeeper, Mala Grohs. After facing significant health challenges, Grohs might make her return to competitive play. Her coach stated, "There is a chance for Mala to return, and it is not just about her physical fitness. It's about how she feels emotionally after everything she's endured. It must feel right for the team, for Mala, and for Ena." It would be heartwarming and inspiring to see Grohs back on the field after overcoming such trials.
The broader DFB-Pokal structure is also noteworthy. The semifinals are scheduled for March 22 and 23, 2025, with the grand finale taking place on May 1, 2025, at the vibrant RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne. The semifinal draw will occur soon after this round, on February 17, promising even more excitement for fans tracking the tournament.
With this quarterfinal event, the DFB-Pokal der Frauen continues to galvanize support and intrigue from football lovers, affirming its status as one of the pinnacle competitions within the women's sporting calendar. From thrilling matchups to inspiring stories, this tournament encapsulates the passion driving women's football today.