SV Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich Lineups: Key Players, Formations, and Match Preview

The SV Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich matchup in the 2025/26 DFB‑Pokal first round was one of the most intriguing cup ties of the opening rounds. A third‑tier side taking on German giants Bayern Munich always draws extra attention, especially when it comes to team selection and tactical setups. In a thrilling encounter at the BRITA‑Arena, both lineups showcased contrasting strategies born from different ambitions and squad strengths.

Overview of the Match and Final Score

In front of a packed crowd, Bayern Munich edged out SV Wehen Wiesbaden with a narrow 3–2 victory, thanks to a late winner from Harry Kane in stoppage time. This dramatic finish capped off a competitive cup tie that saw underdogs Wiesbaden push the Bundesliga heavyweights to their limits.

Here’s a detailed look at how both teams lined up and the key players who shaped this memorable cup tie.

SV Wehen Wiesbaden Lineup (4‑4‑2 Formation)

SV Wehen Wiesbaden adopted a classic 4‑4‑2 formation, aiming for balance across the pitch while providing defensive stability against Bayern’s attacking threat.

Starting XI (Probable)

• Goalkeeper: Florian Stritzel

• Defenders:
  – Left‑back: Niklas May
  – Centre‑back: Justin Janitzek
  – Centre‑back: Jordy Gillekens
  – Right‑back: Ole Wohlers

• Midfielders:
  – Right Wing: Ryan Johansson
  – Central Midfield: Milad Nejad
  – Central Midfield: Tarik Gozusirin
  – Left Wing: Lukas Schleimer

• Forwards:
  – Striker: Fatih Kaya
  – Striker: Moritz Flotho

This setup reflected a blend of defensive discipline and attacking intent from the home side. Stritzel and the back four were tasked with absorbing pressure, while the midfield duo attempted to link up with the two forwards to create opportunities.

Key Players for Wiesbaden

• Fatih Kaya: The captain and lead striker was central to Wiesbaden’s attacking moments, scoring both goals for his team.

• Ryan Johansson: Provided width and helped transition between defense and attack.

SV Wehen Wiesbaden’s lineup favored a compact approach, hoping to launch quick transitions and exploit set‑piece opportunities against a superior opponent.

Bayern Munich Lineup (4‑2‑3‑1 Formation)

Bayern Munich deployed a stronger attacking formation while rotating some key players for the cup fixture. Their lineup aimed to control the midfield and create goal‑scoring chances through versatile attackers.

Starting XI (Probable)

• Goalkeeper: Sven Ulreich

• Defenders:
  – Left‑back: Raphaël Guerreiro
  – Centre‑back: Kim Min‑jae
  – Centre‑back: Dayot Upamecano
  – Right‑back: Sacha Boey

• Midfielders:
  – Defensive Midfield: Joshua Kimmich (Captain)
  – Defensive Midfield: Aleksandar Pavlović
  – Attacking Midfield LW: Luis Díaz
  – Attacking Midfield CAM: Lennart Karl
  – Attacking Midfield RW: Michael Olise

• Striker: Harry Kane

This 4‑2‑3‑1 formation allowed Bayern to maintain a creative attacking threat while keeping solidity in central midfield through the combination of Kimmich and Pavlović.

Key Players for Bayern

• Harry Kane: The experienced striker was pivotal, scoring twice — including a late winning goal — and converting a penalty.

• Luis Díaz: Provided wide attacking threat and pace in transition.

• Lennart Karl: The young midfielder received a rare start and contributed to Bayern’s creative play.

Although Bayern rotated some first‑team regulars, their lineup still maintained quality and depth, reflecting their desire to advance comfortably while managing squad workload.

Tactical Breakdown

SV Wehen Wiesbaden’s Approach

SV Wehen Wiesbaden’s strategy focused on organized defending and counterattacks. With a compact midfield shape, they aimed to disrupt Bayern’s rhythm and make the most of set‑pieces and quick transitions. Their two‑striker system ensured they always posed a goal threat despite Bayern’s dominance.

Bayern Munich’s Approach

Bayern operated with controlled possession and creative variations through wide players and a central attacking pivot. Kimmich played a key role in dictating play, while the attacking trio aimed to break down Wiesbaden’s defense. This formation provided both width and central creativity.

Impact of Lineups on the Match Outcome

The lineups directly influenced the dramatic nature of the tie. Wiesbaden’s resilience and direct play resulted in two goals, showcasing their attacking courage against top‑flight opposition. Meanwhile, Bayern’s quality — especially Kane’s clinical finishing — ultimately secured the victory.

The match highlighted how tactical decisions and player selections can shape competitive balance, even when there’s a perceived strength gap.

Conclusion:

The SV Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich line ups offered an exciting contrast of styles — Wiesbaden’s disciplined 4‑4‑2 against Bayern’s dynamic 4‑2‑3‑1. Each team’s starting eleven reflected their ambitions: Wiesbaden to surprise and defend bravely, Bayern to control and overcome. In a match that delivered five goals and a thrilling late winner, the chosen lineups played a crucial role in crafting a memorable cup moment in the 2025/26 DFB‑Pokal.