Chronicle EditorBERLIN. — Pep Guardiola admits fatigue ended Bayern Munich’s hopes of winning the treble after losing their German Cup semi-final by missing all four penalty kicks in a shoot-out with Borussia Dortmund. Just two days after being crowned German league champions for the 25th time, Bayern were knocked out of the domestic cup as Tuesday night’s semi-final finished 1-1 after extra-time before Dortmund claimed a 2-0 victory on penalties.
The defeat came at an extra cost as striker Robert Lewandowski is doubtful for next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final at Barcelona after suffering a fractured cheekbone and concussion, while Arjen Robben is out for the season with a torn left calf.
The shoot-out at Munich’s Allianz Arena got off to a dramatic start when Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso both slipped to fire Bayern’s first two penalties over the bar.
Mario Goetze then had his effort saved by Dortmund goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak while taking Bayern’s third penalty before Manuel Neuer hit the cross bar with the fourth spot-kick to send Dortmund to the Berlin final on May 30.
Bayern’s coach insisted he is as proud of his team “as never before”, but admitted their punishing current schedule of a game every three or four days had taken a heavy toll. — AFP.
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