Bayern beat Leipzig to advance to semis

FC Bayern beat RB Leipzig 2-0 to advance to the DFB Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night. Harry Kane handed Bayern the lead from the penalty spot after the hour mark and Luis Díaz soon added the second goal to seal Munich’s third victory over Leipzig this season and a berth in the last four.

Bayern lined up with Manuel Neuer in goal and Josip Stanišić, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies in defence. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović anchored a midfield featuring Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry and Díaz, with Kane up front. Konrad Laimer, Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka and Hiroki Ito came on for Stanišić, Gnabry, Pavlović and Davies in the second half.

Intense first half

Yan Diomande invited Christoph Baumgartner to fire past Neuer early in a high-octane first half, but the goal was chalked off for offside after VAR intervention. Kane soon saw a shot saved by keeper Maarten Vandevoordt, with Castello Lukeba clearing. Munich were dominant now and Kane’s header bounced off Pavlović before Díaz fired over on the rebound.

Kane miscued and saw another effort blocked before Neuer made a strong reflex save against David Raum. Vandevoordt made two fine saves against Pavlović and Kane as the contest was goalless at half-time.

Kane and Díaz seal it

The match was long on aggression but short on clear-cut chances after the restart. Bayern upped the ante after the hour and Vandevoordt saved from Gnabry. Rômulo’s header hit the bar, but the flag was up in any case. Olise fired just wide, but Stanišić soon was through on goal and upended by Vandevoordt in the box, with Kane dispatching the ensuing penalty to hand Bayern the lead.

The goal opened the floodgates and Olise’s forensic pass found Díaz, who slotted home. Olise miscued and Kane saw an effort blocked. An element of niggle replaced chances and Munich deservedly progressed to the last four.

The Bavarians will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to face Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. They will learn the identity of their next cup opponents on 22 February, with the games to be played on 21 and 22 April.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen