Bayern Munich Advances to DFB Pokal Semi-Finals with Victory Over RB Leipzig

omidbasir- In their third encounter of the 2025/26 season, RB Leipzig once again faced off against FC Bayern Munich, resulting in a harsh exit for Ole Werner’s team from the DFB Pokal. Following two significant Bundesliga defeats, Leipzig’s elimination was compounded by the fact that the scoreline, while less severe than their previous 0-6 and 1-5 losses, provided little solace.

Bayern Munich advanced to the DFB Pokal semi-finals for the first time since 2020, which also marks the last time they secured the trophy. Under the guidance of Vincent Kompany, Bayern is re-establishing its dominance in German football, leading many to believe they are on track to collect multiple significant trophies, marking a return to form reminiscent of Hansi Flick’s successful tenure.

The match started with a near breakthrough for Leipzig in the 4th minute, when Christoph Baumgartner had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside. Leipzig had grounds for grievance again in the 29th minute when a foul on Antonio Nusa outside the box went unpunished by referee Daniel Siebert, as VAR could not intervene due to the foul’s location.

During a cautious first half, both teams displayed reluctance to engage in risky play. Bayern, despite a few errors in their defensive build-up, managed to create some legitimate scoring opportunities. Harry Kane missed several chances, while Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leipzig’s captain David Raum tested the goalkeepers with powerful shots. Although Bayern maintained possession, Leipzig defended resolutely.

Unfortunately for Leipzig’s promising goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoort, his strong performance was marred by an incident in the 62nd minute. Shortly after a brilliant save from Serge Gnabry, Vandevoort collided with an onrushing Josip Stanisic, resulting in a penalty awarded to Bayern, which Kane confidently converted in the 64th minute. Though Leipzig had recently struck the crossbar, the goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Romulu.

Kane continued to shine, swiftly setting up the game’s second goal just two minutes after his penalty. Michael Olise’s assist led to Luis Diaz doubling Bayern’s lead in the 67th minute. Following this goal, Bayern efficiently managed the remainder of the match, maintaining possession and displaying an array of flicks and tricks, though they could not add to their tally.

Player ratings reflect the match’s dynamics: Manuel Neuer (5), Alphonso Davies (4), Jonathan Tah (5), Dayot Upamecano (6), Josip Stanisic (6), Aleksandar Pavlovic (6), Joshua Kimmich (6), Luis Diaz (8), Serge Gnabry (6), Michael Olise (8), and Harry Kane (8). Substitutes included Konrad Laimer, Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka, and Hiroki Ito.

For Leipzig, Maarten Vandevoort received a notable rating of (7), with defenders David Raum (6), Castello Lukeba (7), Willi Orban (6), and Ridle Baku (4) contributing to the team’s efforts. Midfielders Christoph Baumgartner (6), Nicolas Seiwald (5), and Xaver Schlager (6) also featured prominently, while strikers Antonio Nusa (6), Romulu (4), and Yan Diomande (4) struggled to make an impact. Substitutes included Nicolas Seiwald, Conrad Harder, Brajan Gruda, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Tidiam Gomis, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu.

Both Kane and Diaz could lay claim to the Man of the Match honors with ratings of (8), but Olise edged them out for his dynamic play and assist on the decisive goal. The 24-year-old’s performance was characterized by 81 touches, consistently creating thrilling opportunities, although occasionally indulging in overly intricate footwork that sometimes detracted from the game.