Neuer says he 'missed Berlin' as Bayern finally return to Cup final
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sits on the bench during the German Bundesliga championship trophy ahead of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena. Tom Weller/dpa Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said that he has "missed Berlin" as the club have made it to the German Cup final for the first time since 2020. "I've missed Berlin.
It's always been a brilliant match there. It's a historic day for the whole club," Neuer said after Bayern advanced with a 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, adding that "we certainly could've scored more goals. " The German Cup final is traditionally held at the Olympic stadium in Berlin.
Bayern's last participation was in the 2019-20 season, when they beat Leverkusen to win the title. Since then, the club had a difficult journey in the competition, including three eliminations in the second round. "Berlin has been talked about since the first day I arrived at Bayern.
It's a massive gift for the club to get there again," coach Vincent Kompany said. Bayern have already claimed the Bundesliga title and, besides the Cup, they're still in the fight for the Champions League trophy. And before thinking about the Cup final on May 23, in which they will face either VfB Stuttgart or Freiburg, Bayern need to focus on the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.
The first leg is on Tuesday. "It's important that we're in all competitions – in the two cup competitions and deservedly German champions. We have to concentrate on our games.