Kasper Hjulmand was stuffed with reward for Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken after their DFB-Pokal exit on Wednesday.
Leverkusen misplaced 2-0 to Bayern Munich at BayArena, with Harry Kane and Luis Diaz scoring the targets within the semi-final.
It’s the second consecutive season the place Leverkusen have misplaced within the final 4 of the competitors, shedding to second-tier Bielefeld in 2024-25.
It was a lacklustre efficiency from Hjulmand’s aspect at residence; Leverkusen produced simply 0.29 xG from 4 pictures to Bayern’s 2.56 from 20 makes an attempt.
Nonetheless, Flekken made eight saves all through the tie to present the Werkself an opportunity of inflicting an upset in opposition to the Bundesliga champions.
The Dutchman made nice saves within the first half to disclaim Kane and Diaz, whereas he produced stellar stops to maintain out Josip Stanisic and Kane once more after the break.
Though Hjulmand was happier with Leverkusen’s second-half show, he admitted Flekken was the rationale they have been within the recreation for so long as they have been.
“We have been a lot livelier and performed quicker going ahead. However, our opponents made it very troublesome for us,” stated Hjulmand.
“Mark made a number of good saves that allowed us to remain within the recreation for a very long time.”
Already targeted on making issues proper pic.twitter.com/rtrjEJqyvy
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 23, 2026
Flekken added: “We discovered our recreation and our rhythm significantly better within the second half.
“If we handle to show this second half into the entire recreation, then we’re able to rather a lot.”
Leverkusen are sixth within the Bundesliga, combating for a spot in subsequent season’s Champions League.
Hjulmand revealed he hopes Bayern will win the competitors this season, which might grant the German top-flight a fifth spot in UEFA’s premier competitors.
“Sure, in fact,” responded Hjulmand when requested if he needs Bayern to win the Champions League.
“No matter our state of affairs, we all the time need German groups to do nicely and get coefficient factors. I want Bayern all the perfect within the Champions League.”
