Fatigue Caused Bayern Poor Shoot-Out – Pep

Pep Guardiola admits fatigue ended Bayern Munich’s chances of winning three trophies in one season after losing their German Cup semi-final by missing all four penalty kicks in a shoot-out against Borussia Dortmund.
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Just two days after being crowned German league champions for the 25th time, Bayern were knocked out of the domestic cup as Tuesday’s semifinal finished 1-1 after extra-time before Dortmund claimed a 2-0 victory on penalties.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“That was our best game against Dortmund in the period I have been in Germany, but we were a bit tired in the penalty shoot-out,” said Guardiola, who is in his second season with Bayern.
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“My team gave it everything and I must congratulate Dortmund, I wish them well for the final.”
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This was the first time Bayern have lost on penalties since the 2012 Champions League final defeat at home to Chelsea.
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“The shoot-out got off to a stupid start, it summed up our game,” said goalkeeper Neuer, who had a superb game despite failing to convert Bayern’s fourth penalty.
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“We could have decided it over 90 minutes. It’s a bitter defeat.”