Bayern Munich Breaks DFB-Pokal Quarter-Final ‘Curse’ Against RB Leipzig

MUNICH (Azat TV) – Bayern Munich secured a crucial 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals on February 11, 2026, a result that not only propels them into the semi-finals but also marks a significant turning point in their recent German Cup history. The win, earned at home, effectively ended Bayern’s struggle to advance past the early stages of the competition since 2020 and saw them overcome an opponent led by a coach, Ole Werner, who famously eliminated them from the Pokal previously.

The decisive match against RB Leipzig, a formidable Bundesliga rival, was a testament to Bayern’s renewed focus under manager Vincent Kompany. After a turbulent January, the triumph has injected a much-needed wave of optimism into the Bavarian squad, putting them back on track for silverware this season. For RB Leipzig, the defeat means their European aspirations will now solely rest on their Bundesliga performance.

Ending the DFB-Pokal Quarter-Final Drought

For many seasons, Bayern Munich, despite its dominant presence in the Bundesliga, has faced an unusual challenge in the DFB-Pokal. Since their last victory in the competition in 2020 under Hansi Flick, the club has struggled to progress beyond the quarter-final stage, leading to talk of a ‘curse’ among fans and pundits. This 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig has emphatically lifted that perceived hex, marking the first time in five years that Bayern has reached the DFB-Pokal semi-finals.

The match itself featured moments of high tension, but Bayern ultimately proved their superiority. A key incident involved a clear penalty awarded to Bayern, which was converted to give them a deserved lead. This came in contrast to a controversial penalty call in a recent Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim, where officiating decisions drew widespread criticism. Against Leipzig, however, the foul by goalkeeper Maarten Vandenvoort was undeniable, cementing Bayern’s advantage.

Overcoming a Familiar Foe and Past Heartbreak

The victory against RB Leipzig carries an added layer of significance due to the presence of their coach, Ole Werner. Werner had previously orchestrated a stunning DFB-Pokal upset against Bayern Munich in the 2020/21 season, when he managed Holstein Kiel. In that memorable second-round encounter, Holstein Kiel eliminated the reigning champions, a moment that highlighted Bayern’s vulnerability in cup competitions and left a lasting imprint.

This latest encounter presented Bayern with an opportunity to not only advance but also to symbolically overcome a past tormentor. The decisive 2-0 scoreline underscored Bayern’s current dominance over Leipzig, a trend observed throughout the current season. Across three matches this season, Bayern boasts an overwhelming 13-1 aggregate score against the Red Bull-owned club, a stark reflection of the gap between the two sides.

Key Players Shine in Bayern’s Progression

Several Bayern players delivered standout performances during the quarter-final clash. While Michael Olise and Harry Kane have consistently been at the forefront of the team’s attack, Luis Díaz has emerged as a truly unstoppable force. The Colombian winger’s blistering pace, relentless pressure in the opposition’s half, and growing goal tally have made him a fan favorite and a lethal game-changer for Kompany’s squad this season. His contributions have been pivotal in transforming Bayern’s attacking dynamics.

The collective effort and the individual brilliance of players like Díaz have been instrumental in navigating a challenging period for Bayern. The team’s ability to secure such a convincing victory against a top-tier opponent like RB Leipzig, especially given the historical context of their DFB-Pokal struggles and Ole Werner’s past success against them, bodes well for their ambitions to reclaim the German Cup.

The decisive DFB-Pokal victory against RB Leipzig not only signals Bayern Munich’s return to form in the competition but also represents a psychological triumph, allowing the club to shed the narrative of recent cup failures and reassert its authority against a coach who once delivered a painful upset.