Sweet revenge for Magath

Another piece of silverware slipped from Bayern Munich’s grasp last night as the holders were dumped out of the German Cup after a 1-0 semi-final defeat at home to Schalke coached by former Bayern handler Felix Magath.

A first-half goal from Schalke veteran Raul means the Royal Blues will face second-division MSV Duisburg in the final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on May 21.

This is Bayern’s second straight home defeat and pressure is mounting on their coach Louis van Gaal with signs demanding ‘Van Gaal out!’ seen around the stadium.

The picture is now much bleaker exactly a week after the joy of Munich’s 1-0 win at Inter in the Champions League as Bayern are virtually out of the league race and now out of the cup.

Last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat also at home to Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund has left Bayern 16 points off the pace with 10 games left and effectively out of the title race.

This was sweet revenge for Magath who was sacked by Bayern in February 2007, despite leading them to the league and cup double in the previous two seasons.

Raul added to Bayern’s woes with his 15th goal of the season with a header in the 15th minute as it stayed 1-0 at the final whistle.

On Tuesday, Duisburg beat fellow second division side Energie Cottbus 2-1 to book their place in the final.