Bayern expect 'total battle' as Leverkusen eye home comforts in semi

Munich [Germany], April 22: Bayern Munich are expecting a tough duel at Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday's German Cup semi-final despite their own strong form and their opponents' slump, coach Vincent Kompany said on Tuesday.
"What we have experienced there was always a total battle. We do not expect anything else and that is what we want," Kompany told a news conference.
Bayern have not reached the German Cup final since 2020, when they beat Leverkusen 4-2 under coronavirus restrictions in an almost empty Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
It was part of a sextuple of trophies, something the Bavarians are also looking to achieve this year having already wrapped up the Bundesliga title.
Last season the record Cup winners were knocked out in the last 16 against Leverkusen, losing 1-0.
Asked whether the memory of that defeat was special motivation, Kompany replied: "It is not about revenge."
With Germany international Serge Gnabry out for the season for Bayern, playmaker Jamal Musiala is set to come more into focus as he nears full fitness following last year's leg break.
Kompany stopped short of saying he would start in Leverkusen but said: "My opinion is that he is now also physically, not only in terms of strength but also in terms of willingness to run, already very close to his best level.
"So running, pressing, the way we do it, he can do that now. Going into tackles, he can do that. And then there is only the question: when will this magic Musiala return that people remember, Jamal at his very best?
"And that will 100% come back again at some point."
Werkself bank on home advantage Leverkusen are having a disappointing season and are in danger of missing out on the Champions League places in the Bundesliga.
They have managed only three wins in their past 12 competitive matches since the end of February, with three defeats and six draws.
Coach Kasper Hjulmand said: "Football is sometimes special. In one game, anything can happen.
"We will give everything to make sure that we are at that final in Berlin." Leverkusen won the Cup in 2024 as part of a remarkable unbeaten league and Cup double.
Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba believes his side can use home advantage against Bayern on Wednesday and says all the pressure is on their opponents.
"We are playing in our stadium, which we know inside-out, in front of our families and our fans. They give us energy and always stand behind us. When we all come together in a circle again shortly before kick-off, sometimes we cannot hear our own words," Tapsoba told Leverkusen's website.
Source: Qatar Tribune