Defending champions Bayern get Frankfurt in cup semi-finals

Berlin (dpa) – Title holders Bayern Munich have been given a German Cup semi-final date with Eintracht Frankfurt in a repeat of the 2018 final they lost.

Bayern will host the match on April 21 or 22 while history-makers Saarbruecken welcome Bayer Leverkusen in the other tie after the draw was made on Sunday.

Frankfurt have fond memories of meeting Bayern in the competition after shocking the record winners 3-1 to lift the trophy two years ago.

“We are happy that we have a home draw,” Bayern coach Hansi Flick said after Sunday’s 2-0 Bundesliga win over Augsburg. “We wished for that.

“The opponent is very experienced in the cup. It’s a team which has quality.

“It will be a cup fight [but] the final is our goal.”

Frankfurt sport chief Fredi Bobic said being sent to Munich was the “hardest of all potential constellations,” but promised Eintracht would do everything in search of an upset.

Saarbruecken are the first fourth-tier side to reach this stage of the competition and with their own stadium under renovation, it remains to be seen where they will host the match.

Leverkusen won the cup for the only time in 1993 and since lost finals in 2002 and 2009. Saarbruecken previously reached the semi-finals in 1985 when they lost to eventual winners Bayer Uerdingen.

The 2020 final takes place in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on May 23.