In a gripping matchup on March 22, 2025, the FC Bayern Munich women's team staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 0-2 deficit to defeat TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 3-2, thus securing their place in the DFB-Pokal final.
The star of the match was Pernille Harder, who scored all three goals for Bayern. Her performance included goals in the 35th minute, a penalty in the 40th minute, and a final strike in the 53rd minute. Bayern's path to the final was notable not only for the thrilling turnaround but also for the stakes, as they aimed to achieve a coveted double this season.
The match began with Hoffenheim taking an early lead. Erelta Memeti opened the scoring in the 14th minute with an impressive lob, and just ten minutes later, Féli Delacauw capitalized on a critical error from Bayern's Sydney Lohmann, converting it into a second goal in the 24th minute.
Despite their shaky start, Bayern managed to regroup, primarily thanks to Harder’s relentless efforts. Coach Alexander Straus’s squad demonstrated resilience as Harder equalized just before half-time, first with a powerful header following a cross from Jovanna Damjanovic and then from the penalty spot after a handball foul in the box.
The game changed drastically after the break. Just seconds after the injured TSG keeper Martina Tufeković was substituted, Laura Dick, who replaced her, made a pivotal mistake. Straying outside her area, Dick mis-kicked the ball – a blunder that allowed Harder to score the winning goal unchallenged.
Following the match, Dick was visibly distraught, shedding tears as teammates consoled her in the desperate aftermath of the loss. The emotional strain of the game and the pressure of competing with hope for a title weighed heavily on her young shoulders.
As for the DFB-Pokal final, the stage is set for May 1, 2025, in Cologne, where Bayern will compete against either Hamburger SV or Werder Bremen, who will face off in the second semi-final on March 23 before an anticipated crowd of 57,000 at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.
In the post-match interview, Giulia Gwinn, captain of the DFB women’s national team, expressed her reflections on the game, stating, “The first 20, 30 minutes were not the face we want to show,” referring to the team’s early struggles. Gwinn was absent due to a leg injury sustained during a recent Champions League match against Olympique Lyon.
Bayern Munich has an impressive record in women’s football, leading the Bundesliga by six points after 17 matches. Their drive and ambition to add the DFB-Pokal to their title haul remains a notable narrative as they navigate through various competitions this season. The team’s ability to perform under pressure has been tested, and their fight back in this match could signify a turning point in their campaign for glory.
As both a historic team and current leaders, Bayern’s women’s squad is on the cusp of potentially clinching their second DFB-Pokal title, a feat last achieved in 2012. The anticipation surrounding the final builds as fans and supporters alike remain hopeful that this talented group can maintain their momentum and capitalize on their championship aspirations in the upcoming weeks.
With a thrilling display of skill and determination, Bayern Munich's women are firmly in control of their path, embodying the spirit of resilience that characterizes great teams. As they prepare for the decisive match in Cologne, they carry the weight of expectations—not just from themselves, but from a dedicated fanbase eager for success.
Indeed, this DFB-Pokal campaign has unveiled the prowess and potential of players like Pernille Harder, who not only can change the course of a game but also inspire a generation of footballers with her tenacity and unwavering spirit. The women’s football landscape is evolving, and Bayern Munich is at the forefront, seeking to establish itself as a powerhouse in the years to come.
