FC Bayern Frauen is set to face TSG Hoffenheim in what promises to be an exhilarating DFB-Pokal semifinal on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 14:00 CET at the FC Bayern Campus in Munich, where both teams are eager to secure their place in the final on May 1, 2025, in Cologne. The match will be broadcast live on Sky.
The path to this semifinal has been quite a journey for FC Bayern, who recently demonstrated their tenacity. In a dramatic quarterfinal showdown against Eintracht Frankfurt, the Bayern ladies clinched a nail-biting 4:1 victory after extra time, thanks to a last-minute equalizer by Jovana Damnjanović that sent the match into overtime. Bayern's strong showing continued with a commanding 3:1 win over VfL Wolfsburg, further solidifying their position at the top of the league.
On the other side, TSG Hoffenheim arrives as the underdog, buoyed by their impressive 1:0 win over twelve-time cup champions VfL Wolfsburg in the quarterfinals. Ereleta Memeti’s decisive goal not only led her team to victory but also marked the end of Wolfsburg's long-standing dominance in the tournament. Hoffenheim currently sits sixth in the league standings, winning three of their last five games, including a solid 1:0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite their recent successes, the matchup against Bayern is daunting. Historically, Bayern has maintained a strong track record against Hoffenheim, winning decisively both at home and away this season, with scores of 5:1 and 3:1, respectively. Bayern's head coach Alexander Straus will, however, have to grapple with significant absences in his squad. Injuries have sidelined key players, including Lena Oberdorf, Katharina Naschenweng, and Georgia Stanway, creating challenges ahead of this crucial match.
Clara Schöne, the assistant coach of FC Bayern Frauen, expressed confidence in her team’s ability, stating, "Hoffenheim has developed extremely well and is a very strong opponent. We have a good plan to hold our ground. We are a team that sticks together and is used to playing such matches. That can be an advantage for us. We definitely want to win this match and qualify for the cup final."
Midfielder Sarah Zadrazil added to the team’s spirit, saying, "The anticipation for the semifinal is huge. We absolutely want to return to Cologne and perform better than last year. Hoffenheim is extremely good on offense; they have very dangerous strikers. We must defend extremely well and compactly. However, we are mainly focusing on our strengths. It's about the final, and both teams are very aware of that. The fire will burn tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim's coach Theodoros Dedes acknowledged the challenges they face, recognizing Bayern's strength. He stated, "The absolute favorite is FC Bayern. Our chances, of course, look minimal on paper, but we believe that anything is possible in football." His acknowledgment of the underdog status does not diminish the ambitions of Hoffenheim as they prepare for a significant challenge.
For fans eager to support their teams, FC Bayern has organized additional transportation options, with free shuttle buses running from Studentenstadt to the FC Bayern Campus. The first bus departs at 12:40 and 13:20, with a return option post-match at 16:15, ensuring that fans can enjoy the atmosphere around the stadium.
Fun activities will begin two hours before kickoff, featuring musical entertainment and opportunities for fans to engage with players, including a special Meet and Greet event. FC Bayern's mascot, Mia, will also be present alongside the merchandise mobile and a mini replica of the Allianz Arena. The stadium is expected to open its gates at 13:00, creating an exciting environment leading up to the match.
As both teams gear up for this high-stakes encounter, the anticipation is palpable. With a final berth on the line, FC Bayern Frauen and TSG Hoffenheim are set to deliver a thrilling match for all fans, reminiscent of the unpredictability of cup football. The atmosphere will surely be charged as both teams aim for glory.
