Bayern Munich Digs Deep for German Cup Clash: Union Berlin Stands in Their Path

Bayern Munich Set to unleash a fearless starting XI against Union Berlin in the German Cup

Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich's coach, named his starting XI for the German Cup last-16 clash with Union Berlin at the Alte Försterei.

Bayern reached this stage after beating Heidenheim 3-2 in the first round and Köln 4-1 in the second, both away from home, while today's game is again on the road away from the Allianz Arena.

Union Berlin dispatched Gütersloh 5-0 on the road in the first round, and after a tougher test at home in round two beat Arminia Bielefeld 2-1 after extra time.

Bayern hold the record with 20 German Cup titles; their last triumph came in 2019-2020, and they were eliminated last year by Bayer Leverkusen in the quarterfinals.

Union Berlin has never won the competition; their best finish was reaching the final in 2000-2001 before losing to Schalke, and they were ousted last season in the round of 16 by Arminia Bielefeld.

Here is Bayern's starting XI: Neuer, Upamecano, Tah, Kimmich, Kane, Diaz, Oliseh, Leimer, Carl, Stanisic, Pavlovic.

On the bench: Orbig, Min Jae, Gnabry, Goretzka, Jackson, Pishov, Ito, Gerero, Boy.

Kickoff is tonight at 20:45 local time, in a fixture that pits Bayern's trophy pedigree against Union's cautious, fast-counter style.

Pun- Line: If defending were art, Bayern would have a gallery. Union would still be waiting for the punchline.