Guardiola relishing ‘great’ cup final

FC Bayern München head coach Pep Guardiola is happy to keep his treble dream alive after a 2-0 win over SV Werder Bremen saw his side reach the DFB-Pokal final.

A brace from Thomas Muller saw off Bremen in the semi-finals at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, although controversy surrounded the second goal, which came via the penalty spot after Arturo Vidal had dived inside the area.

The referee admitted after the cup tie he had made the wrong call, and Guardiola agreed Bayern were fortunate to be awarded the second-half penalty but felt they had numerous chances to add to the scoreline during the game.

However, the Spaniard remains on course to sign off with a three-trophy haul for the Bavarians, who lead the Bundesliga by seven points and have qualified for the Champions League semi-finals, while they will also contest the domestic cup final.

“I’m pleased of course. It’s going to be a great final in Berlin,” Guardiola said after the match.

“Bremen beat Gladbach [Borussia Monchengladbach] and [Bayer] Leverkusen in the cup. We knew we’d be up against courageous opponents.

“We wanted to play more aggressively with our five forwards, but we had enough chances to score more goals. The penalty shouldn’t have been given.”

Bremen coach Viktor Skripnik shrugged off the contentious penalty and insisted Bayern were worthy winners on the night, but expressed pride in his players for putting up a fight.

“Bayern won deservedly: congratulations!” Skripnik said. “We tried to achieve the impossible. We had a few good moves.

“I don’t blame the referee. But it’s a pity for my lads who turned in a very good display. We can be proud of ourselves.”