Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich Edge Past Union Berlin in DFB-Pokal Thriller, Securing Quarterfinal Berth.

Berlin – Bayern Munich navigated a challenging Round of 16 encounter against Union Berlin at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, emerging with a 3-2 victory that propels them into the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal. The hard-fought win keeps alive Bayern’s aspirations for a treble this season, though they were made to work tirelessly by a resilient Union Berlin side.

The match, played on Wednesday, December 4th, 2025, saw Bayern take an early lead courtesy of an own goal in the 12th minute. A Joshua Kimmich corner, delivered with his trademark precision towards the far post, inadvertently struck Union Berlin defender Ilyas Ansah and deflected into the net, leaving goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow helpless. Kimmich, a cornerstone of Bayern’s midfield and set-piece delivery, has consistently demonstrated his ability to create scoring opportunities, and this instance, though unintentional, proved crucial in setting the tone for the match.

Harry Kane, Bayern’s prolific striker, extended their advantage in the 24th minute. Again, Kimmich was the architect, providing another pinpoint corner from the same side. Kane rose majestically, displaying his aerial prowess and heading the ball into the right corner of Ronnow’s goal, beyond the keeper’s reach. The goal marked Kane’s continued impressive form since joining Bayern Munich, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s leading strikers. His ability to convert set-piece opportunities and his clinical finishing in open play have made him an invaluable asset to the Bavarian giants. Prior to this match, Kane had scored 25 goals in all competitions for Bayern, showcasing his immediate impact on the team’s attacking output.

Union Berlin, however, refused to capitulate and clawed their way back into the contest in the 40th minute through a penalty converted by Leopold Querfeld. The spot-kick was awarded after a handball decision against Bayern defender Jonathan Tah. The VAR review confirmed the on-field decision, adding another layer of scrutiny to the already intense atmosphere. Querfeld, demonstrating composure under pressure, calmly slotted the penalty past Manuel Neuer, injecting renewed hope into the Union Berlin supporters.

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Bayern Munich responded swiftly, restoring their two-goal cushion in added time of the first half. Another set-piece, this time a free kick from Michael Olise, proved decisive. Diogo Leite, attempting to clear the cross, inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. The free kick was awarded after a foul by Aljoscha Kemlein on Olise, who has become a key player for Bayern with his creativity and ability to win fouls in dangerous areas. Olise’s arrival at Bayern has provided the team with a different dimension in attack, and his contribution to set-piece situations has been significant.

The second half began with Union Berlin once again reducing the deficit, this time through another penalty in the 55th minute. Kane was adjudged to have fouled Leite inside the penalty area, a decision confirmed by VAR. Querfeld stepped up again, confidently dispatching the penalty past Neuer for the second time in the match. Querfeld’s penalty prowess showcased his mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure, making him a valuable asset for Union Berlin.

Kane, eager to atone for conceding the penalty, attempted to restore Bayern’s two-goal lead in the 62nd minute with a long-range effort, but Ronnow was equal to the task, making a comfortable save. Union Berlin then mounted a sustained period of pressure, threatening to equalize. In the 70th minute, Andras Schafer unleashed a powerful long-range shot that Neuer expertly parried away. Five minutes later, Janik Haberer struck the post with a well-placed effort, leaving Bayern’s defense scrambling.

Despite Union Berlin’s late surge, Bayern Munich managed to hold on to their 3-2 lead, securing their place in the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals. The match was a testament to the competitive nature of German football, with Union Berlin displaying resilience and determination throughout. Bayern, despite their star-studded squad, were forced to dig deep to secure the victory.

Bayern Munich’s path to the quarterfinals has not been without its challenges. In the previous round, they overcame a stubborn Borussia Monchengladbach side in a closely contested match. Their DFB-Pokal record is historically impressive, having won the competition a record 20 times. However, recent seasons have seen them face increased competition, with teams like RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund also vying for the trophy.

Union Berlin, despite the defeat, can take pride in their performance. They are currently positioned mid-table in the Bundesliga and have shown signs of improvement under their new manager. Their ability to score two penalties against Neuer highlights their mental strength and attacking capabilities. The team’s focus will now shift back to the Bundesliga, where they aim to secure a European qualification spot.

The draw for the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals is scheduled for December 7th. Bayern Munich could face a number of challenging opponents, including Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen. The DFB-Pokal remains a significant target for Bayern Munich, as they seek to add another trophy to their already impressive collection. Winning the competition would not only enhance their domestic dominance but also boost their confidence as they pursue success in the Champions League.

Harry Kane’s performance in this match underscores his importance to Bayern Munich. His goal and overall contribution to the team’s attacking play have made him an instant fan favorite. His presence has also elevated the performances of his teammates, creating a more dynamic and potent attacking force. Bayern Munich’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, has praised Kane’s professionalism and dedication, highlighting his positive influence on the squad. "Harry is a world-class player," Tuchel stated recently. "His work ethic and his ability to score goals are exceptional. He is a leader on and off the pitch, and he has quickly become an integral part of our team."

Looking ahead, Bayern Munich faces a busy schedule, with crucial Bundesliga matches and Champions League fixtures on the horizon. The team’s depth and squad rotation will be key to maintaining their form and preventing injuries. Tuchel will be relying on his experienced players, such as Neuer, Kimmich, and Kane, to guide the team through this demanding period.

Union Berlin, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their positive performance against Bayern Munich and translate that into improved results in the Bundesliga. Their manager has emphasized the importance of consistency and resilience, urging his players to maintain their focus and determination. "We showed great character against Bayern," he said after the match. "We need to take that same spirit into our upcoming Bundesliga games. We have the quality to compete with the best teams in the league, and we need to believe in ourselves."

The DFB-Pokal continues to be a captivating competition, showcasing the depth and talent of German football. The quarterfinal draw promises to deliver more exciting matchups, as teams battle for a place in the semifinals and the chance to lift the trophy at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Bayern Munich’s victory over Union Berlin was a hard-earned one, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead as they pursue their treble aspirations.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.