Bayern’s Cup drought looms large despite continued Bundesliga achievements
In daily life in Germany, staying updated with the news is beneficial, particularly for those who often utilize public transport. Even if you struggle to form a sentence in German, it is essential to quickly learn the term “Warnstreik,” which signifies industrial action by a significant trade union, in this instance, Verdi.
When such actions coincide with a major matchday in Munich, it is important to note that nearly half of the spectators reach the Allianz Arena via U-Bahn, indicating that Verkehrschaos (traffic chaos) could be a significant issue. There was even consideration given to delaying Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal quarterfinal against RB Leipzig, but Bayern Munich’s influence in the city enabled them and the MVG transport authority to devise a compromise plan for a limited service around match time between the central stop at Marienplatz and the stadium stop in Fröttmaning.
Whether it was the excitement of attending a game that seemed uncertain or — more likely — the critical nature of this unique event, there was an enhanced energy in the atmosphere. The DFB-Pokal has proven to be a greater challenge for Bayern in recent years than any club rival. Despite being Rekordpokalsieger (record cup winners) with 20 trophies, Bayern has not lifted the cup since 2020.
Facing Leipzig, the reward was a semifinal spot for the first time in six long years, making it undoubtedly the club’s most significant match of 2026 thus far against a team capable of presenting challenges, despite having suffered defeats of 6-0 and 5-1 at Bayern’s hands earlier this season. An indication of Vincent Kompany’s seriousness was reflected in his team selection, maintaining an unchanged lineup from one competitive match to the next, a rarity since September.
The initial 10 minutes were concerning for Bayern supporters. Leipzig, through organized high pressing, unsettled their hosts and had a fourth-minute goal from Christoph Baumgartner disallowed due to a marginal offside. However, Bayern soon took charge and gradually wore down the visitors from Sachsen with a competent performance.
There was a sense of inevitability when the two goals came three minutes apart after the break. First, a penalty from Harry Kane, followed by a memorable goal from Luis Díaz after a brilliant pass from Michael Olise broke Leipzig’s resilient defense.
It wasn’t entirely flawless from Kompany’s squad. Alphonso Davies continues to struggle since returning from a long-term injury. It is perhaps understandable that he and Jamal Musiala — who entered as a second-half substitute — will need additional time to regain their previous form.
In his post-match interview with ESPN’s Archie Rhind-Tutt and Thomas Hitzlsperger, the significance of this victory was evident to the club’s Belgian coach. A personable figure yet astute in understanding Bayern’s dynamics, Kompany recognizes what the Pokal (along with recent disappointments in the competition) signifies to the club’s management and its vast fanbase.
Bayern will not know their semifinal opponent until February 22, when the draw is conducted live on ARD-Sportschau in front of a studio audience at the German Football Museum. The potential lineup is intriguing, with their three possible adversaries all having performed well in the Pokal during Bayern’s recent slumber: Bayer Leverkusen, champions in 2024; VfB Stuttgart, last season’s Pokalsieger; and SC Freiburg, who lost on penalties in the 2022 final before eliminating Bayern in Munich at the quarterfinal stage the following year.
Joshua Kimmich provided the right response when asked on Wednesday night about his preferred draw. “I just would like a home draw.”
The semifinals are set for April 21 and 22.
It’s Bayern’s Meisterschale to lose
Bayern’s pursuit of a treble of trophies continues in the Bundesliga on Saturday with a visit to one of their favored venues in recent years: Werder Bremen. Fifteen consecutive victories at the Weserstadion speak volumes, and it is where Kane experienced his first taste of the German Oberhaus in 2023, netting the first of his 86-and-counting goals.
With Olise suspended, the question of when the France international will receive a break after a demanding stretch of matches is answered, allowing 17-year-old talent Lennart Karl the opportunity to shine from the start.
Bayern, holding a six-point lead at the top with a significantly better goal difference, will be aware by kickoff whether Borussia Dortmund — their only rivals — have reduced the gap on Friday night. BVB delivered only a mediocre performance last week against VfL Wolfsburg but managed to secure victory in the 87th minute thanks to Serhou Guirassy.
Nico Schlotterbeck is serving a suspension this week, Aaron Anselmino has departed the club, and Emre Can and Filippo Mané are sidelined due to injury. Fortunately, coach Niko Kovac can still deploy a Dreierkette (back three) consisting of Ramy Bensebaini, Waldemar Anton, and Niklas Süle.
While it is true that Dortmund boasts the best record of any team in the Rückrunde, Kovac should not anticipate an easy match against the team directly behind them in that particular table: Mainz. Urs Fischer’s appointment has propelled the self-styled Karnevalsverein (carnival club) up the standings and out of the relegation zone.
Fischer, a highly likable figure, organizes his teams to be resilient, frustrate opponents, and capitalize on individual moments during matches. He has provided the opportunity for inspirational 35-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Batz to flourish after previously being the club’s third choice.
In terms of the title race, BVB faces a more challenging path than Bayern leading up to the next Klassiker at Signal Iduna Park on February 28.
Until that time, Die Schwarzgelben have matches every three or four days. Following Mainz, they will face Atalanta both home and away in the UEFA Champions League, with a tough trip to Leipzig in between. Bayern, on the other hand, can enjoy full training weeks between their visit to Bremen and the home match against Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by seven days to prepare for Dortmund.
It remains Bayern’s Meisterschale to lose.
