Football
2017-18 German DFB Pokal, Semi-finals
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ESPN staff 6y

Thomas Muller nets hat trick as Bayern Munich cruise into DFB Pokal final

Thomas Muller's hat trick helped Bayern Munich cruise into the DFB Pokal final with a 6-2 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena on Tuesday.

A Robert Lewandowski goal within the first three minutes set the stage for what was to come from Jupp Heynckes' men, and further strikes from Thiago Alcantara and Muller's triple saw the Bundesliga champions return to their first cup final since 2016.

A Lars Bender effort from close range temporarily cut Bayern's early lead to 2-1 after 16 minutes, and starlet Leon Bailey sweetly curled in a free kick just outside the box for the hosts.

It didn't take long for Martinez to put Bayern in front -- the Spain international slotting home near the top of the area in the third minute.

Lewandowski doubled the lead six minutes later, slotting home a Franck Ribery cross after being left alone on the back post.

Bender's header found the net soon after to give the hosts hope, but two Muller goals sandwiched Thiago's fine effort around the hour mark to put the game well out of reach.

Bailey's superb free kick gave the hosts something to cheer about in the 72nd minute and Muller completed his hat trick with 12 minutes to play -- the Germany international taking down Thiago's pass before beating Bayer keeper Bernd Leno from the middle of the box.

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