Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich is the headline tie of the DFB-Pokal semi-finals. The DFB confirmed the match will be played on Wednesday, 22 April at 20:45 CET, with Leverkusen at home in a single-leg knockout tie. The winners go to Berlin for the final.
Bayern, recently projected to be Bundesliga champions and currently sitting at the top of the table, is looking to continue their title pursuit following a strong performance.
Hoffenheim, in third place, has been one of the most impressive teams in the division in 2026, entering the weekend with a five-game winning streak.
With both teams boasting potent attacks (Bayern averaging 2.8 goals per game, Hoffenheim 2.2), this Bayern Munich vs TSG Hoffenheim clash promises goals and high entertainment in Munich.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | DFB-Pokal 2025/26 Semi-Final |
| Match | Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 — 20:45 CET |
| Venue | BayArena, Leverkusen |
| Format | Single-leg knockout |
| At Stake | A place in the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin |
Leverkusen come into the semi-final after a much-needed league boost, beating Borussia Dortmund 1-0 away to stay in the Champions League race. Reuters reported that Kasper Hjulmand’s side is now fifth, just one point off fourth, and that the cup semi-final against Bayern is one of the biggest games left in their season.
Bayern Munich is entering this match with significant momentum. They secured the Bundesliga title on April 19 after defeating Stuttgart 4-2.
Additionally, Reuters has reported that they have already broken the Bundesliga scoring record this season. This means that Vincent Kompany’s team arrives in Bergisch Gladbach as champions, yet still eager to pursue the treble.
Team Preview and Analysis
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen’s season has been a little more uneven than Bayern’s, but the timing of their recent improvement matters. The Dortmund win gives them a confidence lift, and the cup remains a real chance to put silverware on the table. Reuters also noted that they are still in the top-four chase, which tells you their form is finally stabilising after a wobble.
The squad picture is mixed. Leverkusen have had injuries to deal with this season, and their club channels have previously confirmed absences such as Arthur’s muscular problem and Patrik Schick’s calf issue.
The safest read here is that Leverkusen are competitive, but still managing fitness across a busy run-in.
Bayern Munich
Bayern are in classic ruthless mood. They won the league, they are still alive in the Champions League, and they now have Leverkusen in the cup. Reuters reported that Vincent Kompany has stressed the need to stay focused despite the title celebrations, which is exactly the right tone for a team trying to finish the season with three trophies.
There is one notable team news blow: Serge Gnabry is out for weeks with an adductor muscle tear, ruling him out of this semi-final as well as the PSG Champions League tie.
On the brighter side, Kompany recently praised Jamal Musiala’s return to top form, and Bayern’s league win over Stuttgart featured goals from Guerreiro, Jackson, Davies, and Kane, which underlines how many attacking weapons they still have.
Head-to-Head Record
Bayern dominate the historical record, winning the majority of recent meetings. The last encounter ended in a high-scoring draw or a narrow Bayern victory.
The latest match between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich ended in a 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga on March 14, 2026.
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 105 |
| Bayern Munich Wins | 63 |
| Bayer Leverkusen Wins | 22 |
| Draws | 20 |
Who will win Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich?
This is a serious heavyweight game, but Bayern enters it as the more complete side right now. They have the title wrapped up, they are scoring effortlessly, and their attacking depth is better even without Gnabry.
Leverkusen can absolutely make it a fight, especially at home, but Bayern’s form and firepower make them the slight favourites. That is an inference based on current form, results, and squad status.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Bayern Munich
Recent form
- Bayer Leverkusen: strong enough to beat Dortmund 1-0 and stay in the top-four chase.
- Bayern Munich: Bundesliga champions after a 4-2 win over Stuttgart, with momentum and goals still flowing.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Starting XI
- Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Palacios, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Hofmann; Schick.
- Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Luis Díaz; Kane.
Key Players to Watch
| Team | Player | Position | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leverkusen | Florian Wirtz | Midfielder | The creative heartbeat and the player most likely to unlock Bayern. |
| Leverkusen | Patrik Schick | Forward | A proven big-game finisher if he is fully fit. |
| Leverkusen | Alejandro Grimaldo | Left-back | Delivers set-piece quality and final-third precision. |
| Bayern | Harry Kane | Forward | Bayern’s main goal source and the biggest threat in the box. |
| Bayern | Jamal Musiala | Midfielder | Kompany says his “magic” is returning, and he’s the main connector in attack. |
| Bayern | Michael Olise | Winger | A constant chance-creator who can decide tight knockout games. |
Unavailable & Injuries
| Team | Player | Reason | Status / Return Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | Serge Gnabry | Thigh / Adductor Injury | Out for the season |
| Sven Ulreich | Muscle Injury | Out | |
| Lennart Karl | Muscle Injury | Out (Late April/Early May 2026) | |
| Tom Bischof | Calf / Muscle Injury | Out | |
| Wisdom Mike | Tendon Injury | Out for the season | |
| Cassiano Kiala | Ligament Injury | Out for the season | |
| David Santos | Thigh Injury | Out (Late April 2026) | |
| Guido Della Rovere | Unknown Injury | Out | |
| Maycon Cardozo | Hamstring Injury | Out | |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Arthur | Ligament / Ankle Injury | Doubtful / Out |
| Martin Terrier | Hamstring Injury | Doubtful / Out |
Where to Watch in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
- Australia: beIN Sports
- Europe: DAZN (Germany), Sky Sports (UK), beIN Sports (France/Spain)
When and where is Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich?
It is on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 20:45 CET at the BayArena in Leverkusen.
Is this a two-legged tie?
No. The DFB-Pokal semi-final is a single match, so there is no return leg.
Who are the favourites?
Bayern are the slight favourites because they arrive as Bundesliga champions and are in stronger overall form, but Leverkusen’s home advantage keeps this from being straightforward. That is an inference based on the current results and squad news.
Who is out for Bayern?
Serge Gnabry is ruled out with an adductor muscle tear.