Hjulmand relishing DFB-Pokal semi-final against ´one of the best teams in the world´ Bayern

Kasper Hjulmand acknowledged the challenge his Bayer Leverkusen team faces to reach the DFB-Pokal final against a Bayern Munich side he described as “one of the best teams in the world”.

Leverkusen welcome Vincent Kompany’s side to BayArena on Wednesday, just three days after Bayern were crowned the Bundesliga champions for the 35th time in their history.

The Werkself will face Bayern for the ninth time in the DFB-Pokal, where they have progressed twice. They have not faced any other club more often in the competition.

Last season, Leverkusen won 1-0 away at the Allianz Arena, though Bayern have never been eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by the same club in two consecutive seasons.

Bayern have, however, won just one of their last five away games in all competitions against Leverkusen (W1 D2 L2), and that could bode well for their hopes of an upset.

In addition, Leverkusen are one of two teams, alongside Union Berlin, the only two Bundesliga sides Bayern have not beaten since Kompany took the reins back in 2024.

But having already completed one part of their treble, Bayern are the overwhelming favourites, winning 56.3% of the Opta supercomputer’s pre-match simulations, and Hjulmand stressed the importance of being clinical in the semi-final.

“They’re one of the best teams in the world. It’ll be a big challenge,” Hjulmand told reporters.

“We did well against them in the league game in March [1-1 draw], but we again need to be very precise and sharp and take our chances.”

Locked in for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/kDW1wkXv6v

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 21, 2026

Leverkusen have often thrived in this competition, though, with this their third consecutive semi-final appearance, going on to lift the trophy for the first time since 1992-93 two seasons ago under the guidance of Xabi Alonso.

However, it has proved to be the opposite for Bayern, who are in the final four for the first time in six years, their longest wait for a semi-final in the competition this millennium.

Bayern have progressed from their last three DFB-Pokal semi-finals, with their last failure to do so coming in 2016-17 against Borussia Dortmund.

But when asked if the pressure was on treble-chasing Bayern, Hjulmand said: “The best players and the best teams like pressure. It’s a good thing.

“We also like this pressure. It’s the best time of the season. We’re concentrating on our performance.

“Special things can happen in football, especially in the cup. A night like this always brings opportunities.”

Leverkusen have scored in their last 41 DFB-Pokal games – an ongoing club record. Their last goalless draw in the competition was against Bayern in the 2014-15 quarter-finals.

Only three clubs in DFB-Pokal history have had longer scoring streaks, with Werder Bremen and Koln holding the record with 43 games.

But along with their impressive scoring streak in the competition, Hjulmand believes home advantage will play a huge role in deciding who progresses.

“We’re playing in our own stadium with super energy. We really need a top performance again,” Hjulmand said.

“We’ve had good games against top opponents already this season. The team is ready for the game and will give their all.

“The players play for the fans and the club, and will give their all to achieve the goal of getting to Berlin.”