Bayern advance to the cup semi-finals against Leipzig for the first time since 2020 | OneFootball

FC Bayern are back in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup for the first time since 2020. The record champions beat RB Leipzig 2-0 in the quarter-finals to end a long drought in the competition. In an intense match, the decision was made within a few minutes after the break.

Vincent Kompany used the same starting XI as in the 5-1 win over Hoffenheim, with Manuel Neuer starting in goal and Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah and Davies defending in front of him. In midfield, the Belgian once again opted for a double-six with Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic, with Olise, Gnabry and Díaz starting in attack behind Harry Kane.

The visitors got off to a flying start and were already celebrating after just four minutes. Diomande made a strong run, the ball ended up with Baumgartner, who slotted in from a half-right position. However, the VAR intervened and conceded the goal for a close offside. Leipzig remained dangerous in this phase, Orbán headed against the post after a corner (14′) – Bayern were lucky.

Kane headed over from a Kimmich corner and a deflected shot from the Englishman was cleared off the line a little later. Pavlovic tested Vandevoordt from distance and the Leipzig keeper also made a strong save from Kane shortly before the break. Nevertheless, the game went into the break at 0-0.

Kane ice-cold, Diaz with assertiveness

photo: IMAGO

The game remained tight after the break, with Gnabry forcing Vandevoordt into a strong save from a central position (58′) before Leipzig almost took the lead themselves: after a free-kick from Raum, Romulo powered a powerful header against the crossbar (62′). The game was on a knife-edge and tipped over just seconds later.

Stanisic was sent half-right into the penalty area with a long ball, put the leather past the rushing Vandevoordt and was clearly hit by the keeper. The Leipzig goalkeeper was also shown a yellow card for the foul. Referee Siebert pointed to the spot. Kane took responsibility as usual, waited for the keeper to make a move and confidently converted from the bottom right to make it 1:0 (64′).

Leipzig now had to open up and were punished. Olise played a precise pass into the open space from the right-hand side. Díaz robustly held his ground against Orbán, shot left-footed from around eleven meters and scored into the right-hand corner to make it 2:0 (67′).

Bayern take a commanding lead over time

The match then became heated, with several players – including Pavlovic, Romulo and Lukeba – receiving yellow cards after a foul by Seiwald on Musiala. Kompany reacted by bringing on Musiala and Laimer, with Leon Goretzka later replacing the cautioned Pavlovic. Leipzig brought on Banzuzi, Gruda and Harder for the final phase, with Gomis and Bitshiabu replacing the cautioned Baumgartner and Lukeba shortly before the end. Hiroki Ito also came on for Davies in stoppage time, with both coaches making full use of their substitutions.

Davies provided Olise with another half-height cross, but his shot flew past the right-hand post (76′). Baku tried from distance after a corner, but missed the target by a wide margin. Siebert allowed six minutes of added time, but Leipzig remained harmless. Kane and Laimer received yellow cards for complaining in the closing stages before the referee blew the final whistle after 90+7 minutes.

FC Bayern continue their Bundesliga campaign on Saturday away to SV Werder Bremen, while RB Leipzig host VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday.