The DFB-Pokal often delivers football drama, and the clash between Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich was no exception. In a match that had everything—penalty drama, a spirited underdog fightback, and a stoppage-time winner—Bayern Munich barely escaped elimination against third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden, winning 3-2. Harry Kane proved to be both hero and almost villain, missing a penalty for the first time in three years before redeeming himself with a decisive late goal.
Bayern started strongly, with Kane converting an early penalty in the 16th minute to give his team a comfortable lead. The Bundesliga champions looked set for a routine victory when Michael Olise doubled their advantage early in the second half. However, football often flips the script, and the home side Wehen Wiesbaden, backed by passionate supporters, refused to bow down. Fatih Kaya turned the game on its head, scoring twice within four minutes (66’ and 70’), leaving Bayern stunned and the crowd electrified. Suddenly, the dream of a giant-killing upset seemed within reach.
The drama intensified when Kane stepped up for another penalty, only for Wiesbaden’s goalkeeper Florian Stritzel to make a heroic save—ending Kane’s perfect penalty record since the 2022 World Cup. For a moment, it looked like Bayern would pay the price for their wastefulness. But as stoppage time approached, Kane rose highest in the box and headed home the winner in the 90+4th minute, breaking Wiesbaden hearts and rescuing his team from embarrassment.
Post-match reactions highlighted both relief and pride. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany admitted the performance was far from ideal, stressing that cup games demand resilience. Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer echoed the sentiment, saying composure was key. Kane himself called it a “crazy game,” relieved to have delivered in the end. On the other hand, Wiesbaden’s coach Nils Döring and captain Kaya praised their team’s spirit, noting they were just one minute away from a historic upset. Goalkeeper Stritzel, who denied Kane from the spot, described the rollercoaster emotions of nearly toppling a footballing giant.
Another positive for Bayern was the impressive debut of 17-year-old Lennart Karl, who showed remarkable composure in a high-pressure situation. Kompany praised the youngster, suggesting he could have a bright future with the club. While the night belonged to Kane’s late heroics, Karl’s emergence was a silver lining for Bayern fans eager to see new talent rise.
This Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich DFB-Pokal clash will be remembered as one of those nights where the underdogs almost pulled off the impossible. Bayern’s narrow escape serves as a reminder that cup football is unpredictable and that even the strongest teams cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. For Wiesbaden, the result may sting, but their performance earned them admiration across Germany. For Bayern, it’s back to the drawing board, with defensive lapses and wasted chances needing urgent attention if they want to avoid further scares in the season ahead.