Bayern, Paderborn advance on penalties into the German Cup semifinals

Defending champions Bayern Munich overcame Leverkusen at the penalty shootout meanwhile third division side Paderborn flabbergasted Monchengladbach on penalties as well at the German Cup quarterfinals clashes on Wednesday.

Both sides staged a contested encounter for over 120 minutes but titleholders Bayern Munich set the course for their title defense as Manuel Neuer's save against Josip Drmic proved to be crucial at the penalty shootout.

Leverkusen dominated the opening period but neither Stefan Kiessling nor Karim Bellarabi were able to turn their chances into a tangible reward.

Nevertheless, Bayern had the best chance to open the scoring but Leverkusen's keeper Bernd Leno denied Thomas Mueller before the break. The "Bavarians" finally overcame Leno after the restart but Robert Lewandowski's header was ruled out due to a previous foul play.

As the match progressed both goalkeepers were in the thick of things as Karim Bellarabi tested Neuer from central position before Leno denied Lewandowski at the other end of the pitch. Just before the overtime Julian Brandt came close to snatch a late win but Bayern's Rafinha scratched a square pass off the empty goal.

At the overtime both sides exchanged offensive actions without making use of the golden opportunities by Bayern's Juan Bernat and Leverkusen's Brandt. After goalless 120 minutes, Bayern showed their nerves of steel at the penalty shootout as Neuer saved Drmic's shot before Thiago Alcantara rounded off the penalties with the fifth goal to secure the German giants a berth in the final four.

Paderborn surprisingly progressed into the German Cup semifinals as they upset top-flight team Monchengladbach 5-4 on penalties.

Monchengladbach's Raffael missed the first penalty before Ibrahima Traore saw his penalty defused by Paderborn's goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who thus wrapped up the semifinal berth for the third division team.

Paderborn took the reins from the kick-off against uninspired visitors from Monchengladbach. Hence, the hosts rewarded their courageous performance with the opener at the 26 minute when Dennis Mast teed up for Manuel Junglas, who slotted home into the top left corner.

However, it was a short-lived joy for the lower league side as Christian Mueller caused a handball penalty allowing Max Kruse to slot home into the bottom right, restoring parity at the 32nd minute from the spot.

Monchengladbach turned up after the restart but failed to overcome Paderborn's well-positioned defense. Yet, the "Foals" had some promising chances in the closing period but nor Roel Brouwers and Ibrahima Traore were able to snatch a last grasp goal.

In the overtime Monchengladbach continued to work out chances but they remained fruitless before Fabian Klos came very close to seal the deal. However, after a goalless overtime the penalty shootout had to bring the decision.

Raffael missed the first penalty for the "Foals" before Monchengladbach's goalie Yann Sommer denied Marc Lorenz forcing a sudden death, in which Paderborn keeper Alexander Schwolow saved Traore's shot from the spot to ensure the victory.

With the result, giant killers Paderborn eliminated the third first-division side after Berlin and Bremen. Endi