Did Bayern Beat RB Leipzig to Reach the German Cup Semifinal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Berlin, Feb 12 (NationPress) Bayern Munich has successfully made its way to the German Cup semifinals for the first time since 2020, securing a 2-0 victory against RB Leipzig in a closely contested quarterfinal match that was decided by a swift double goal.
Leipzig appeared to have the upper hand initially when Christoph Baumgartner scored just four minutes in, but a VAR review overturned the goal due to offside. As the match progressed, Bayern started to dominate. Harry Kane forced a brilliant save from goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, with Castello Lukeba clearing a follow-up off the line in the 11th minute.
The home team increased their pressure as the first half unfolded. Both Luis Diaz and Kane came close to scoring, but Leipzig managed to regain their balance. A controversial moment arose when Josip Stanisic fouled Antonio Nusa near the penalty area, yet the referee chose not to award a penalty, as per reports from Xinhua.
As the first half came to a close, David Raum tested Manuel Neuer from a tight angle, and both Aleksandar Pavlovic and Kane were denied by Vandevoordt in stoppage time, keeping the score at 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half, clear chances were few and far between. Serge Gnabry forced another save from Vandevoordt at the 58-minute mark, but the game's turning point arrived shortly after. The Leipzig keeper slipped while contesting with Stanisic, leading to a penalty that Kane executed flawlessly in the 64th minute, breaking the deadlock.
Just moments later, Michael Olise missed an opportunity to extend the lead, but Diaz capitalized in the 67th minute, scoring to double Bayern's advantage. Leipzig struggled to respond, and Bayern controlled the remainder of the match to secure their advancement.
Bayern Munich now joins Leverkusen, Stuttgart, and Freiburg in the semifinals, with the draw for the next round scheduled for February 22.
RB Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff remarked, "It was a commendable performance by our side; congratulations to Bayern. We anticipated challenges, and while we delivered a robust display and had opportunities to take the lead, we must continue to improve if we aim to triumph over Bayern in the future."