Good evening everyone!
Jurgen Klopp takes on
Bayern Munich for one final time as
Borussia Dortmund manager tonight, and the prize is a place in the DFB-Pokal final. Bayern are looking to move another step closer to the treble with a win at the Allianz Arena. Follow all of the action with me over the next couple of hours.
It's been a very different season for the supporters of these two sides. Bayern dominated on the way to clinching the Bundesliga title at the weekend, while Dortmund have suffered so many disappointments before rallying for a push at Europa League qualification. As well all know, the story is completely different in the cup, and both of these managers are desperate for success in this competition.
BAYERN: Neuer, Rafinha, Boateng, Benatia, Bernat, Alonso, Lahm, Thiago, Weiser, Muller, Lewandowski
Subs: Reina, Dante, Robben, Pizarro, Gotze, Rode, Schweinsteiger
It's great news for Bayern fans as Arjen Robben returns from a month on the sidelines to start the game on the bench, while Mehdi Benatia has recovered from his own injury troubles to earn a spot in defence. Thiago Alcantara and
Xabi Alonso are among the players to earn recalls after being handed spots on the bench against Hertha Berlin at the weekend.
Mario Gotze and Bastian Schweinsteiger join Robben on the bench as Mitchell Weiser keeps his place.
DORTMUND: Langerak, Durm, Sokratis, Hummels, Schmelzer, Blaszczykowski, Bender, Gundogan, Kagawa, Reus, Aubameyang
Subs: Alomerovic, Subotic, Kehl, Mkhitaryan, Ramos, Kampl, Ginter
Dortmund have been handed a boost of their own as
Ilkay Gundogan shakes off a throat infection to start in midfield alongside Sven Bender, and Marco Reus is also back in the starting lineup. Shinji Kagawa keeps his place, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan drops to the bench.
Mitchell Langerak continues to deputise for the injured Roman Weidenfeller.
These two sides have a lot of history in this competition. In last season's final, a
Mats Hummels goal was controversially ruled out before Robben and Thomas Muller scored in extra time to clinch back-to-back triumphs for their sides. One of the most famous games between the teams came in the 2012 final, when a
Robert Lewandowski hat-trick led Dortmund to a stunning 5-2 victory. Will he haunt his former employers just a few weeks after scoring the winner against them in the Bundesliga? One thing is for certain, Dortmund fans miss images like the one below.
© Getty Images
How did we get here? Dortmund started the DFB-Pokal with comfortable wins over Stuttgart Kickers, St Pauli and Dynamo Dresden before overcoming a difficult challenge in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Hoffenheim in the last eight.
Bayern were too strong for Preussen Munster, they recorded a comfortable 3-1 win over Hamburger SV and eased to a 2-0 win against Eintracht Braunschweig. It was a nervy quarter-final for Pep Guardiola's men, who needed penalties to beat Bayer Leverkusen.
The winner of tonight's game will meet Arminia Bielefeld or Wolfsburg in the final, and it's fair to say at this stage that Bayern are firm favourites. Klopp, in his final season with Dortmund, will be desperate to sign off in style.
Here we go then. The players are on the way out, and the noise is incredible already. It promises to be a special night at the Allianz Arena.
Everyone appears to be taking their time in the tunnel as Klopp shares a hug with Lewandowski. We're a few moments away from kickoff, I promise!
Bayern will finally get the game underway!
Bayern look bright inside the opening minute when Thiago finds Muller, but the forward's cross into the box is cleared by SOkratis.
It looks like a typical 4-3-3 from Dortmund, but they've seen very little of the ball so far. Bayern are dictating the tempo as they dominate possession in midfield.
It's been a pretty low-key start. Dortmund were clearly expecting not to see much of the ball, and it's a familiar pattern for Bayern. Thiago goes down on the right, but he was barely touched by Schmelzer. No whistle from the referee.
By his standards, Klopp looks very relaxed on the touchline. Dortmund are looking very well organised at the back, and there's not much for Bayern to work with in the final third as Weiser chips a hopeful ball into Langerak's hands.
Bayern get men forward with a nice move on the wing. Bernat finds space for himself before delivering a deep cross which eventually reaches Rafinha, whose ball into the danger zone is cleared by Hummels.
Dortmund show the first sign of attacking intent, and in truth, it's the first we've seen of Reus and Gundogan. The latter looks to open up the Bayern defence with a clipped pass to the right, but it's too strong for Durm.
As you would expect, Bayern have been very patient in the early stages of the game. Their play has lacked a spark though and it's often been too slow in the final third of the pitch. Guardiola will want a bit more urgency to their attacks.
CHANCE! The first opportunity of the night falls to Muller, but the forward can only head over the crossbar after finding the space to meet Alonso's corner.
It's starting to liven up at the Allianz Arena. A clever piece of skill takes Aubameyang past Rafinha before a poor touch lets him down, and Lahm threatens at the other end when he hits an effort straight at Langerak.
Bayern are turning up the pressure now as Muller and Lewandowski link up before winning a corner. The hosts look more threatening when Muller roams from a central position. Weiser goes down in the box a few moments later, but there's no movement from the referee following some optimistic penalty appeals.
We've seen some nice touches from Thiago early on, but Guardiola will want him to get further up the pitch and beyond the front two. He's the midfielder with the energy in this side. Bayern continue to dominate, but it's far from a classic at the moment.
Benatia is left frustrated when he heads wide after Bayern had taken a corner shot, but a foul in the build up means a goal would have been disallowed.
Dortmund will be happy to just keep out the hosts for now, but at some stage they have to find a way to get Reus and Kagawa involved in the game. Both players are drifting around without having too much of an impact. Bayern will be delighted if they keep it that way.
Reus should have been involved in the game in a big way! The attacking midfielder is in a great position at the end of a promising move, but Aubameyang ignores his teammate before unleashing an effort which Boateng blocks.
That last attack was much better from Dortmund, who need to be brave without the ball if they are going to disrupt Lahm and Alonso. They've got the players who can cause problems on the break.
A mistake from Schmelzer puts Dortmund under pressure as Bayern send men forward, but the visitors recover as Sokratis cleans up at the back. Gundogan and Bender haven't had much of a kick yet.
GOAL! BAYERN 1-0 DORTMUND (LEWANDOWSKI)
He's done it again! Just a few weeks after scoring the winner against his former side, Lewandowski breaks the deadlock in the semi-final. Dortmund lose the ball and the hosts break quickly. The Polish striker rattles the post with his first effort before pouncing on the rebound to slot past Langerak.
All of that came from a very promising attack, but Kagawa's poor pass opened the door to Bayern and the hosts didn't need a second invitation. It's going to be very tough for Dortmund from here and they need to find a way to disrupt Bayern's rhythm.
Reus wins the ball with Aubameyang and Kagawa in good positions, but his poor pass is deflected behind for a corner. Bayern then manage to clear from Schmelzer's disappointing delivery into the box.
Bayern use the wide players well as Bernat's pace takes him into a position to meet a cross from Weiser, but the ball hits his shoulder before drifting wide of the target.
Durm appeared to be struggling with a knock earlier, but he looks much better now as he sprints into space before delivering a cross which misses Aubameyang by a few inches.
You've got to give a lot of credit to Bayern. It's not been a vintage attacking display in the first half, but they've defended brilliantly to limit the space on offer to the likes of Aubameyang and Reus. That's been the key so far.
Aubameyang is forced wide to find space after linking with Durm, but Bernat does very well to force the Gabon international into a difficult position. The Spaniard has been one of the best players in the first half.
Dortmund don't appear to be carrying the threat needed to get back on level terms before the break, and the concern for Klopp should be that Boateng and Benatia are pushing up the pitch. When Bayern's defence is high it can be very difficult to win the battle in midfield.
Lewandowski attempts something special when he unleashes an effort from 40 yards, but the ball drifts just wide of the post. Excellent defensive work from Lahm creates another chance moments later as Weiser fires over.
HALF TIME: BAYERN 1-0 DORTMUND
Lewandowski is the hero and the villain at the break. It's his goal which has split the two sides at the halfway stage of the semi-final, and Bayern look very comfortable in front. Dortmund could be forced to change their approach, despite only trailing by one goal.
What can Dortmund change to cause problems for Bayern? Klopp might be reluctant to leave his defence open to more pressure, but the answer could be Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose inconsistent form has seen him come in for criticism. However, he is a threat running with the ball, and it's that approach which could trouble Alonso and Lahm in midfield, and expose Boateng and Benatia further up the pitch.
Have we had enough of players looking apologetic after scoring against their former side? Well, I have and so has Robert Lewandowski. No sign of a muted celebration tonight.
© Getty Images
Everyone in the Allianz Arena, apart from those in yellow and black, is waiting for this man's return. Will Guardiola set him loose in the second half?
Both sides are back out for the second half. Dortmund will get the game back underway. No changes from either manager yet.
Dortmund sit deep to defend before hitting the hosts on the break, and Reus wins a free kick following a challenge from Benatia, who is fortunate not to be booked. The opportunity is wasted when Reus delivers a poor cross from the set-piece.
SAVE! Excellent goalkeeping from Langerak. Weiser continues his good game by cutting in from the wing before finding Muller, whose effort is tipped away by the Australian shot-stopper. Dortmund can't afford to fall two goals behind.
I wouldn't be surprised if changes were on the way soon. It all looks a bit too easy for Bayern, whose shape is proving to be too difficult to break down for Dortmund. Alonso and Lahm are controlling the game from deep.
Much better from Dortmund. The visitors move the ball at a quicker pace before Reus breaks into some space, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner.
OFF THE BAR! Lewandowski is inches away from a second goal. Bernat does well to pick out the striker, who rattled the crossbar but there's controversy as Schmelzer appears to handle the loose ball. Bayern are furious.
SAVE! Bayern are piling on the pressure now. Thiago does brilliantly to turn into space on the edge of the box, but Langerak makes another fine stop.
Dortmund have managed to survive an extended spell of pressure, and some huge shouts for a penalty. They're still in this game, but it's difficult to see Bayern not scoring again.
It's really not been Kagawa's night. The Japan international drifts into space on the edge of the Bayern box, but he makes a poor decision and the hosts steal the ball back.
Muller is left disappointed when he hesitates in the box to allow Hummels to recover and clear. Alonso delivers the corner into a great position but Dortmund survive again.
YELLOW CARD! Rafinha wins the ball with a tackle on Blaszczykowski, but it wasn't the best of challenges and he picks up the game's first booking.
SUBSTITUTION: Robben is back after a month out with an abdominal injury, and he comes on to replace Thiago.
SUBSTITUTION: It's Klopp's turn to use his bench as Mkhitaryan replaces Kagawa. Another Schmelzer corner is cleared by the Bayern defence moments later.
YELLOW CARD! Alonso gives away a free kick and picks up a booking. Aubameyang rises highest in the box to meet Schmelzer's delivery, but he can only head the ball straight at Neuer on the stretch. That's the most the Bayern goalkeeper has done tonight.
GOAL! BAYERN 1-1 DORTMUND (AUBAMEYANG)
Dortmund are back on level terms! It's questionable defending from Bayern as Aubameyang finds space at the back post to sneak an effort in before Neuer can scramble it clear. As it stands, we're heading to extra time.
SUBSTITUTION: Guardiola made a change just after the goal, with Schweinsteiger coming on for Muller.
Incredibly, it's Dortmund who are on top with just over 10 minutes remaining. Benatia heads back to Neuer with Reus lurking, before Bayern are forced to clear a free kick from the visitors. Will there be a winner in normal time?
CHANCE! Dortmund are almost celebrating a second goal. Mkhitaryan finds the space to unleash a low effort, but Neuer manages to push the ball a few inches past the post. Bayern are looking nervous at the back.
SAVE! Dortmund probably should be ahead. It's Reus with the chance as he somehow manages to collect the ball in space, but Neuer reacts brilliantly to keep the shot out. The Bayern goalkeeper can't help but smile at his international teammate.
SUBSTITUTION: Blaszczykowski's night is over as he jogs off to be replaced by
Kevin Kampl.
CHANCE! Dortmund might regret missing these chances. Sokratis is the latest offender as he rises highest in the box to send a free header past the post. There's more bad news for Bayern. Robben has barely had a kick, but he goes down with no one around him and he's forced off. Gotze is his replacement. Will we see Robben again this season?
CHANCE! Where has this come from? Dortmund are on top at the Allianz Arena, and they create another opportunity when Kampl's clever touch sets up Reus, who can't force Neuer into a save on this occasion.
Langerak is back in the game at the other end as he tracks back to tip over a sliced cross from Weiser.
YELLOW CARD! Kampl picks up a booking for stopping a Bayern attack from gathering momentum. It looks like we're heading to extra time.
Crucial defending from Sokratis to dispossess Gotze, who had skipped a couple of challenges on his way into the box.
Reus tries his luck from the edge of the box, but he can't test Neuer as the shot sails over the crossbar.
FULL TIME: BAYERN MUNICH 1-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND
You want 30 more minutes? Well, you've got it. What a response from Dortmund. Bayern were looking so comfortable, but the visitors eventually produced a response and they probably should have won the game in the closing stages. It will be interesting to see who takes charge in extra time.
Sebastian Kehl is off the bench to replace Bender as we prepare to get underway in extra time.
Incredible scenes just before the restart. Guardiola was screaming orders at Lewandowski from just an inch away. Will it be the Polish striker who makes the difference again?
Great work from Kehl as he dives in the way of Gotze to make a crucial block. Bayern are seeing more of the ball early in the first extra period, but no chances for either side yet.
It's three corners in a row from Gotze, but each of them are cleared by the Dortmund defence. Will the visitors continue to attack like they did late in normal time?
Another corner comes in from Gotze, who delivers the ball into a better area on this occasion. Benatia attacks the ball with a powerful header but he can only send it over.
Bayern are dominating possession, much like they did for the first 70 minutes of the game, but it's all too slow from the hosts and Guardiola is looking frustrated on the touchline. Dortmund are defending impressively.
YELLOW CARD! Sokratis is a touch late with the tackle on Schweinsteiger and the Dortmund defender goes into the book.
CHANCE! Bayern should be ahead. Alonso delivers a free kick onto the head of Schweinsteiger, who somehow manages to clear the crossbar. The midfielder simply has to hit the target.
Lewandowski looks to be running out of space, but he creates a yard before firing the ball across the six-yard box. Langerak is relieved to watch the ball drift to safety.
Aubameyang lobs a hopeful ball into the box, but it creates problems between Neuer and Benatia until the defender decides to clear the danger.
HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME: BAYERN 1-1 DORTMUND: Both sides struggled to produce their best in those 15 minutes, but Bayern should have regained the lead with that Schweinsteiger header. Are we destined to see penalties tonight?
It's still Bayern dominating possession, but Dortmund are holding their shape well in midfield. Bernat and Weiser have drifted out of the game. The hosts need to find them out wide again.
RED CARD! This game takes another twist. Kampl, who only came on in the 83rd minute, picks up his second yellow card for a late foul on Schweinsteiger. Can Dortmund survive in extra time?
It's no surprise to see Dortmund drop deeper after Kampl's dismissal, and they only have 10 more minutes to reach penalties. Bayern are struggling to get Lewandowski into space.
YELLOW CARD! Benatia is the latest player to catch the referee's attention after stopping a Dortmund break.
SAVE! Incredible from Langerak. If Dortmund progress, he's the hero. Boateng is gifted the space to clip the ball into the box, but Schweinsteiger is left stunned when Langerak somehow manages to block the header with his leg.
Ouch! Langerak storms off his line to reach a dangerous ball, but he charges into Lewandowski, who needs a few seconds to recover.
We're running out of time to find a winner at the Allianz Arena as Dortmund survive another spell of extended pressure. Can they hang on?
Lewandowski doesn't look comfortable after colliding with Langerak, and Bayern must keep an eye on the striker. There's going to be three minutes of added time in extra time.
Boateng frustrates his teammates and the Bayern fans by sending a speculative long-range effort over the crossbar. Get ready for penalties!
FULL TIME: BAYERN 1-1 DORTMUND
It's time for penalties at the Allianz Arena. Neither side managed to find the breakthrough, despite Kampl's red card and a couple of great chances for Schweinsteiger. It's Neuer vs. Langerak. Who will come out on top?
There's plenty of drama going on in the break. Reus looks to be in agony with cramp, and I'm not sure if Lewandowski knows what day it is after his clash with Langerak.
Here we go then. I don't think Lewandowski will be taking a penalty. He's in a lot of trouble on the Bayern bench.
MISS! What a start. Lahm slips taking the first penalty and he sends the ball over. Bayern 0-0 Dortmund.
GOAL! Gundogan hands the advantage to Dortmund! Bayern 0-1 Dortmund.
MISS! Incredible. Alonso slips, too, and he sends the penalty wide. Bayern 0-1 Dortmund.
GOAL! Kehl makes no mistake as Dortmund take a firm grip on the shootout. Bayern 0-2 Dortmund.
MISS! Great reaction from Langerak as he save Gotze's poor effort. Bayern 0-2 Dortmund
MISS! Stunning stop from Neuer as he denies Hummels. Bayern 0-2 Dortmund
MISS! Neuer decides to take the fourth, but he can only hit the crossbar. Dortmund are through to the DFB-Pokal final!
DORTMUND WIN THE SHOOTOUT 2-0: I've never seen anything like that. Bayern miss all four of their penalties and Dortmund claim a spot in the final. For Klopp, his dream of ending his final season with a trophy goes on, but Bayern's treble bid comes to an end.
Have you caught your breath yet? An incredible finish sees Dortmund book their place in the final, and they will meet either Arminia Bielefeld or Wolfsburg in the final. Thanks for joining me for a dramatic evening of football. Goodnight everyone.