Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern: Kane’s Stoppage-Time Header Rescues Munich in DFB-Pokal 2025
The Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich fixture in the DFB-Pokal 2025 first round turned into one of the most gripping matches of the season. Despite Bayern’s early dominance, third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden nearly produced a stunning upset before Harry Kane’s last-minute winner spared the German giants from embarrassment.
This match highlighted everything that makes German cup football so exciting: underdog spirit, tactical battles, dramatic comebacks, and a superstar stepping up when it mattered most. Let’s dive deep into the thrilling encounter.
Background: Why This Clash Mattered
The DFB-Pokal has a reputation for producing “giant-killing” stories, where lower-division teams shock Bundesliga heavyweights. Bayern Munich entered the competition as favorites, having won the trophy a record number of times. Meanwhile, Wehen Wiesbaden, competing in Germany’s third division, saw this as an opportunity to test themselves against Europe’s elite.
For Bayern’s new coach Vincent Kompany, this was more than just a first-round tie—it was about laying down a marker for his tactical vision. For Wiesbaden, it was about pride, passion, and proving they belonged on the big stage.
Match Summary: A Rollercoaster 90 Minutes
The clash had everything a neutral fan could dream of: goals, drama, missed chances, and a nail-biting finish.
- 16th Minute – Harry Kane’s Penalty:
Bayern dominated possession from the start, and Kane coolly converted from the spot to put them ahead. - 48th Minute – Michael Olise Doubles the Lead:
The new Bayern signing showcased his flair, slotting home to make it 2-0. At this point, many assumed the game was over. - 64th & 70th Minutes – Wiesbaden Fight Back:
Enter Fatih Kaya, the Wiesbaden striker who stunned Bayern with two quick goals. His brace electrified the stadium and brought the scoreline level at 2-2, sparking dreams of a historic upset. - 76th Minute – Kane’s Rare Miss:
Given a second penalty, Kane shockingly failed to convert. Wiesbaden goalkeeper Florian Stritzel made a brilliant save, denying both the initial shot and Kane’s rebound attempt. - Stoppage Time—Kane’s Redemption:
Just when extra time loomed, Kane rose highest to head home a cross from Josip Stanišić, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Bayern Munich.
Key Takeaways from Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern
1. Harry Kane: From Villain to Hero
Missing a penalty is rare for Kane, but he showed his elite mentality by bouncing back and scoring the decisive goal. This match underlined his importance as Bayern’s go-to man in clutch moments.
2. Wehen Wiesbaden’s Fighting Spirit
Despite being outclassed on paper, Wiesbaden played fearless football, capitalizing on Bayern’s defensive lapses. Kaya’s brace will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the club’s history.
3. Bayern’s Defensive Concerns
With nearly 80% possession, Bayern should have killed the game early. Instead, lapses in concentration allowed Wiesbaden back into it. Kompany will need to tighten his backline if Bayern hopes to challenge for multiple trophies this season.
4. Cup Football Magic
This tie was a reminder of why the DFB-Pokal is beloved—no team can be underestimated, and even Europe’s giants can be pushed to the brink by hungry underdogs.
Post-Match Reactions
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich):
“We’re not perfect yet. We know we have things to work on, but the important thing is we advanced. Credit to Wiesbaden for making it tough.” - Vincent Kompany (Bayern Coach):
“That was cup football—you felt everything tonight. Credit to Wiesbaden, they never stopped fighting. For us, the focus is on improving defensively and staying clinical.” - Fatih Kaya (Wehen Wiesbaden Hero):
“We gave everything. To score twice against Bayern is special, but of course, it hurts to lose so late.”
Match Stats Snapshot
| Category | Bayern Munich | Wehen Wiesbaden |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 80% | 20% |
| Shots on Target | 12 | 4 |
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Key Player | Harry Kane | Fatih Kaya |
What’s Next?
- Bayern Munich move on to the second round of the DFB-Pokal, but Kompany knows improvements are needed before they face tougher opposition.
- Wehen Wiesbaden exit with pride, having given fans a memorable performance against one of Europe’s top clubs. (Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern)
