Werner penalty miss hands Bayern German cup win
BERLIN: Bayern Munich squeezed past 10-man RB Leipzig in Wednesday’s dramatic German Cup second-round clash with a 54 win in a penalty shoot- out after Timo Werner missed the final crucial kick.
Although Leipzig’s midfielder Naby Keita was sent off with half an hour left, Emil Forsberg gave RB the lead before Bayern’s Thiago Alcantara equalised as the tie finished 1-1 after extra-time to go to penalties.
When Bayern converted all five of their spot-kicks, all the pressure was on Leipzig star Werner for the crucial 10th penalty.
The 21-year-old Germany striker had his head in his hands as his weak shot was saved by Munich’s shot-stopper Sven Ulreich.
“I’m just glad I could help the team,” beamed the relieved Ulreich, stand- in for injured Manuel Neuer.
Bayern advance to the third round after the first of a doubleheader this week between the Bundesliga giants who meet again in the league on Saturday at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Bayern are second in Germany’s top flight with Leipzig third and just a point behind.
“It’s a shame that this great match was ruined by Keita’s sending off,” fumed Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl.
“The boys can be proud of themselves, but that does not detract from their frustration that I felt in the locker room. They gave everything and were not rewarded.” This was an action-packed cup tie as Leipzig had three clear penalty appeals before referee Felix Zwayer finally pointed to the spot.
Bayern had an almighty scare on 35 minutes when Arturo Vidal brought down Forsberg right on the edge of the penalty area. — AFP