Berlin, April 21 (IANS) German football turns its attention to the national Cup semifinals this week, starting with Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich visiting Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday evening. The clash in Leverkusen will be followed on Thursday by a more regional affair between Cup holder VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg, who reached the Europa League semifinals in 2026.

Bayern, fresh from securing their 35th league title last weekend, are now pursuing a treble, while Leverkusen see this as their last realistic chance for silverware this season.

Leverkusen, coached by Kasper Hjulmand, has struggled for consistency, and a win over the in-form Bavarians could prove a turning point for Bayer. With Freiburg having already enjoyed a historic run in Europe, Stuttgart faces a difficult task at home.

While the team coached by Sebastian Hoeness is seeking to defend last year’s Cup title, Freiburg are making progress on several fronts. Their league form could yet secure qualification for European competition, while the Europa League and the Cup offer further routes into continental football.

Winning the Europa League would take Freiburg into next season’s Champions League group stage. The team coached by Julian Schuster faces Portuguese side Braga in the last four, while Nottingham meets Aston Villa in the other semifinal.

While Bayern and Stuttgart are seen as the favourites, surprises have been part of the German Cup since its inception in 1952.

A few days back. Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Freiburg 3-2 away, with Lennart Karl scoring deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic turnaround on Saturday.

Bayern travelled without Harry Kane, absent due to an ankle issue, yet still controlled possession early on. Tom Bischof tried his luck from distance, but Freiburg gradually imposed themselves and threatened through Philipp Treu, who fired narrowly wide.

Manuel Neuer was called into action with sharp saves against Lucas Holer and Philipp Lienhart, though both chances were later ruled offside. Freiburg maintained its aggressive pressing and found greater reward immediately after the break.

Johan Manzambi drove inside and struck from around 25 meters to open the scoring in the 46th minute. The hosts pressed for more, and Holer missed two clear opportunities before making it 2-0 in the 71st minute, finishing after Neuer failed to clear Beste’s corner.

–IANS

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