Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig: DFB-Pokal Quarter-Final Recap & Highlights

MUNICH – Bayern Munich advanced to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal with a composed 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on February 11, 2026. Second-half goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise secured the win for the Bavarian giants, continuing their pursuit of a domestic double.

Early Chances and VAR Drama

The match began with a contentious moment, as RB Leipzig thought they had opened the scoring within the first five minutes. Christoph Baumgartner’s finish was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, a decision that set the tone for a tightly contested first half. The early stages saw both sides probing for an advantage, with Harry Kane testing RB Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt with a shot from the left. Further opportunities fell to Kane and Luis Díaz, but both efforts failed to trouble the scoreline.

Leipzig also pressed for a breakthrough, with David Raum forcing a save from Manuel Neuer. Prior to halftime, Bayern Munich created a flurry of chances, but Vandevoordt proved equal to the task, denying Aleksandar Pavlović twice and then thwarting a Kane attempt from the resulting corner. The first half ended scoreless, despite the mounting pressure from Bayern.

Kane Breaks the Deadlock

The breakthrough arrived just after the interval. A cross from Michael Olise found Serge Gnabry, whose effort was initially tipped over the bar by the impressive Vandevoordt. However, the goalkeeper’s heroics were short-lived. A collision between Vandevoordt and Josip Stanišić while challenging for a long ball resulted in a penalty for Bayern. Harry Kane calmly converted the spot-kick, sending Vandevoordt the wrong way and giving Bayern a 1-0 lead.

Olise Seals the Victory

Bayern quickly doubled their advantage, effectively ending Leipzig’s hopes of a comeback. In a swift counter-attack, Michael Olise found the back of the net, extending Bayern’s lead to 2-0. The goals came within a three-minute span, demonstrating Bayern’s clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on opportunities.

DFB-Pokal Semi-Final Berth

The victory secures Bayern Munich’s place in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal, where they will join VfB Stuttgart, Bayer Leverkusen, and SC Freiburg. Bayern will be looking to add to their impressive trophy cabinet, having already established themselves as contenders in the Bundesliga. This win marks a continuation of their strong form and demonstrates their ambition to compete on all fronts.

A Night of Contrasts for Vandevoordt

The match highlighted a night of contrasts for RB Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt. While he produced a string of impressive saves to keep his side in the game during the first half, the collision leading to the penalty and the subsequent goal proved decisive. Vandevoordt’s performance underscored the fine margins that often separate success and failure in high-stakes cup ties.

Bayern’s Continued Pursuit of Glory

For Bayern Munich, this result represents another step towards achieving their season goals. The team’s attacking prowess, exemplified by Kane and Olise, combined with their defensive solidity, makes them a formidable opponent in both domestic and European competitions. The semi-final clash promises to be a challenging encounter, but Bayern will be confident of progressing to the final and lifting the DFB-Pokal trophy.

The match also showcased the growing influence of players like Michael Olise, who continues to impress with his creativity and goal-scoring ability. His contribution to the team’s attack is becoming increasingly vital, and he is quickly establishing himself as a key player for Bayern Munich.

Bayern’s ability to overcome a resilient RB Leipzig side demonstrates their championship pedigree and their unwavering commitment to winning. As they look ahead to the semi-finals, they will undoubtedly be focused on maintaining their momentum and continuing their pursuit of glory.