Bayern Munich 1-1 (0-2p) Borussia Dortmund: 5 talking points

10-man Borussia Dortmund stun Bayern Munich as they beat their Klassiker rivals 2-0 on penalties to book a place in this year's German cup finals.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cancelled out Robert Lewandowski’s opener deep in the second half to send the game into extra time. Both sides failed to find a breakthrough and the game headed for a penalty shootout where Philipp Lahm, Xabi Alonso, Mario Gotze and Manuel Neuer all missed, thereby ending their hopes of a treble.But it was all smiles in the Dortmund camp as the outgoing Jurgen Klopp has a chance to end his reign in a high note by claiming the trophy on May 30th. Here are the major talking points from the game.

#1 Klopps final Der Klassiker ends on a sweet note

Having announced his departure at the end of the season, this German Klassiker at Allianz Arena was the last time Dortmund gaffe Jurgen Klopp led the Yellow Brigade against their mighty rivals from Bavaria. A win, though, was never on the cards considering Bayern’s regained supremacy.

However Dortmund, who have endured a misery-laden season this term, pulled off an absolute shocker when they ousted Bayern in their own backyard.

Former BVB hero Robert Lewandowski put the home side ahead early in the first half with a nonchalant finish from a tight angle. Bayern dominated the game throughout and were heading comfortably for a 4th successive league cup final until Aubameyang glided inside the penalty area to nestle the ball home. Bayern continued to hold sway over Dortmund and despite getting reduced to 10-man in the extra time, Dortmund held their nerves and took the game for a penalty shootout.

While Gundogen and Kehl were on target for the visitors, the home side astonishingly failed to convert even one of their 4 attempts and all the dreams of equating the treble of 2013, were shattered to smithereens. This was Klopp’s final Klassiker as a BVB’s manager and thank heavens, it ended on a sweet note.

#2 Dortmund have a lot of work to do despite improvements

From reeling at the bottom of the division to dislodging the German champions from the competition, Borussia Dortmund have really come a long way this season. But a microscopic glance at their performance last evening suggests that they still have some issues to resolve until they get back to the top.

The former German champions are gradually ascending up the charts and getting back into their element. But they are still far from finished. Their defence is still bearing the scars of early season horror, whereas the attack lacks the edge to kill the game off. And this was very evident from their display yesterday.

An occasional bursts of those qualities can help them get the better of less challenging teams, but against formidable sides, they are found wanting. Dortmund are still into the rebuilding process and need to work their fingers to the bone if they are to get back to the very top.

#3 Langerak poised to succeed Weidenfeller as Dortmunds No.1

Dortmund's long serving No.1 choice in goal, Roman Weidenfeller has had his foot off the gas this season and has been nowhere near to his scintillating best. His injury prior to the game came as a blessing in disguise for Dortmund’s Australian shot-stopper Mitchell Langerak to prove his mettle at the big stage and boy he did so with elan.

With the home team unleashing a wave of attacks in the game, Langerak stood firm in his area and kept out a handful of Bayern’s attempt at goal. While the Lewandowski goal he surrendered was the only blip, his performance otherwise on the night was simply admirable.

The Australian international was the best one in the Dortmund rearguard and had even fended off Mario Gotze in the penalty shootout.

Langerak has already usurped Roman on quite a few occasions this season, but after his performance against a team like Bayern last night, the 23-year old may have just made the position in between the pipes his own.

#4 A wake up call for Bayern ahead of the Barcelona clash

Just three days ago, Bayern had secured the Bundesliga title for the third season on the trot and thereby entered this game high on confidence and with the sights firmly set on their next piece of silverware.

Bayern were even heavily poised to saunter their way past this fixture but instead, were given a harsh reality check.

The Bavarians controlled the tempo of the game right from the word go, dominated possession, created a handful of scoring chances but were simply not the Bayern that romped their way past their adversaries. The home side were pegged back in the final few minutes of the game by Dortmund’s high pressing game and a slight sloppiness in the defense led to them conceding that crucial goal.

Bayern could have done way better and the prospect of the dreaded penalty shootout would have never even transpired. Their inefficiency caused them the title today, but against Barcelona, it may be even worse.

Bayern need to muster their verve in goal and learn to make the most of their chances ‘cause against a team like Barcelona, you aren't afforded much and have to make the most of what you get.

#5 Can Dortmund give Klopp a fitting farewell?

Having achieved the unforeseeable, Dortmund are now just a game away from lifting a title that may well salvage for what has been an awful season for them. Standing between them and the title is now either Wolfsburg or Arminia, who will play out the other semi-final today.

While claiming the Pokal cup will definitely be a silver lining for something big to come next season, it will also mark a fitting farewell for their charismatic honcho Jurgen Klopp who will be bidding adieu to the club after 5 years in charge.

The 47-year old has guided the Ruhr outfit to unimaginable heights during his reign, having transmogrified the club from underachievers to one of the most formidable side in Europe. So for all his unblemished service to the club, Klopp deserves a proper send-off. But can Dortmund do that? Only time will tell.