Second-half blitz of Leipzig secures Pokal semi-final berth for Bayern

With a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig tonight, Bayern Munich have joined VfB Stuttgart, Bayer Leverkusen and SC Freiburg in the last four of the DFB-Pokal.

Bayern Munich snapped up the last semi-final spot in the DFB-Pokal tonight with a 2-0 victory guiding them past RB Leipzig. Second-half goals from Harry Kane and Luis Díaz proved to be the deciding factor for the Bavarian giants. 

Similar to last night’s quarter-final tie, there was more early VAR drama inside 5 minutes when RB Leipzig found the net. Yan Diomande fed Christoph Baumgartner to convert while falling but was ultimately ruled out for offside.

Bayern quickly settled and found their feet as Harry Kane tested Maarten Vandevoordt from left who managed to parry to safety. Further chances fell to the English marksman and Luis Díaz – both efforts cleared the crossbar.

Near the half-hour, Leipzig penalty appeals went abegging after Josip Stanišić appeared to tangle with Antonio Nusa in the box. Manuel Neuer was finally involved, alert at his near post to deny David Raum’s forceful drive. 

A flurry of clear goal-scoring opportunities fell to the Bavarians just before the break. Twice, Vandevoordt intervened to scramble Aleksandar Pavlović’s shot away and getting a limb to repel a Kane from the resulting corner.

It took roughly 15 minutes for either side to construct the next talking point after the break as a cross from Michael Olise found Serge Gnabry. The splendid reactions of Leipzig’s Belgian shot-stopper tipped it over the target. 

However, Vandevoordt would go from hero to villainy in a flash. In colliding with Stanišić who chased a long ball, Daniel Siebert pointed to the spot. Kane diligently kept his nerve, rolling the ball inside the lower-right post. 

In a three-minute flurry, Bayern effectively put the tie to bed at 2-0 with Olise to the fore. The French winger split the visitors’ rearguard with a precise through ball, allowing Diaz to finish with his usual measure of ice-cool conviction.

Ole Werner brought on Harder, Banzuzi and Gruda in the hope of salvaging a lifeline. However, the damage was done as Bayern saw out the win to seal their first semi-final spot since the 2020 edition of the DFB-Pokal.