Bayern Munich are back in the last four of Germany’s domestic cup for the first time since 2020, defeating RB Leipzig 2-0 in the quarterfinals in Munich on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The result sustains a season of imposing form and guarantees another high‑stakes midweek fixture this spring as the record winners move within one game of the Berlin final, where the DFB‑Pokal has been decided under the auspices of the German Football Association since 1935.
Second‑half surge decides a tight tie
The match only truly tilted after the interval. Bayern’s first‑half territorial control, which had yielded pressure more than precision, turned into clear chances as Leipzig tired and passing lanes opened. A converted penalty just past the hour broke the deadlock and altered the risk calculation for both sides, before a composed finish three minutes later settled the contest and allowed Bayern to manage the closing stages on their own terms.
Full‑back’s drive flips the momentum
Josip Stanišić was central to the turning point. Driving forward from the right, the defender’s aggressive overlap drew the foul for the spot kick that opened the scoring and finally punished Leipzig’s increasingly stretched back line. It capped a two‑way performance in which he also helped suppress Leipzig’s left‑side attacks, reducing transition risk and freeing Bayern’s wingers to hold higher starting positions. That balance between defensive security and width was a notable adjustment from recent league matches, where Bayern have been more open in wide areas.
Leipzig’s goalkeeper stands out in defeat
Maarten Vandevoordt kept Leipzig competitive deep into the second half. His anticipation and sweeping outside the box limited Bayern’s threat in behind, and several reflex saves prevented the scoreline from growing and the tie from being decided earlier. The Belgian’s command of space was one of the night’s clearest individual impressions, and his performance will strengthen his case in Leipzig’s internal hierarchy ahead of a congested run of fixtures.
Midfield control underpins Bayern’s approach
Aleksandar Pavlović’s reading of the game knitted Bayern’s structure together. Operating as the pivot in front of the centre‑backs, his positioning shortened passing distances in buildup and shut down several Leipzig counters at source, allowing Bayern to sustain pressure without overcommitting numbers forward. With the visitors content to press selectively rather than relentlessly, Pavlović’s calm distribution and tempo control gave Bayern the platform to keep recycling possession until spaces appeared between Leipzig’s lines.
Clinical edge from the front line
Harry Kane converted from the spot to give Bayern the lead, underscoring the value of a reliable penalty taker in knockout football, where a single moment can overturn months of planning. Soon after, Michael Olise split the defense with a through ball that Luis Díaz finished cleanly, a sequence that illustrated Bayern’s current balance between patience in possession and vertical punch when gaps appear. The clarity of roles in the front line — Kane as reference point, Olise as creator between the lines, Díaz attacking the blind side — has been a recurring feature of their domestic cup run.
Cup pathway and scheduling stakes
Progress keeps open a direct route to domestic silverware beyond the league program and gives Bayern a chance to add to their record tally of German cup wins. Under the DFB‑Pokal competition rules, the semifinal is a one‑off tie hosted at a club ground rather than a neutral venue; extra time and penalties apply if required. For Bayern, an additional high‑intensity knockout date tightens the calendar around league and European commitments, putting a premium on squad rotation, fitness management and set‑piece efficiency in the weeks ahead, as sporting directors and coaching staff weigh short‑term results against longer‑term squad health.
Match facts
- Competition: DFB‑Pokal, quarterfinal
- Venue: Munich
- Result: Bayern Munich 2–0 RB Leipzig
- Scoring: 1–0 Harry Kane (pen), 2–0 Luis Díaz (assist: Michael Olise)
- Notable performances: Josip Stanišić drew the decisive penalty and defended robustly; Maarten Vandevoordt made multiple key saves; Aleksandar Pavlović anchored Bayern’s midfield control.
- Milestone: Bayern reach the DFB‑Pokal semifinals for the first time since 2020 and continue their pursuit of a first cup title since the 2019/20 season.