DFB-Pokal Semifinals Set: Dortmund Faces Leverkusen, Union Berlin to Challenge Bayern
BERLIN – The stage is set for compelling DFB-Pokal (German Cup) semifinals, with Borussia Dortmund hosting Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin drawing a challenging tie against Bayern Munich. The matches will determine which teams vie for the coveted trophy and, crucially, a guaranteed spot in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League next season.
The DFB-Pokal winner automatically qualifies for the Europa League phase the following season. However, if the cup winner has already qualified for the UEFA Champions League through their Bundesliga standing, the Europa League berth transfers to the highest-ranked Bundesliga team that hasn’t yet secured European qualification. This means the cup victory doesn’t necessarily provide a direct European pathway for the winning club; its value lies in potentially opening a spot for another Bundesliga team.The losing finalist receives no such benefit.
