Can Bayern beat RB Leipzig to end DFB Cup semi-final drought?

Bayern’s first knockout tie of 2026 at home to RB Leipzig on Wednesday presents the huge opportunity for the 20-time winners to reach the semi-finals of the DFB Cup for the first time in six years. The last time they were among the final four in 2019/20, the Munich men went on to lift the trophy. For the dream of another final in Berlin to live on, Vincent Kompany and his team first need to get through the semi-finals. Big Bundesliga wins already this season may make this look a one-sided tie, but Leipzig have been bullish in the cup in recent years. Here’s all the key stats and facts ahead of the match at the Allianz Arena.

Two wins from cup meetings

Those 6-0 and 5-1 wins this season aren’t the only reason for fans to think fondly about encounters with Leipzig. Bayern have also won both previous DFB Cup ties. The most recent was in the 2018/19 final, when Kingsley Coman and a Robert Lewandowski brace in Berlin earned a 3-0 win and secured the domestic double under Niko Kovac.

The sides now meet at the quarter-final stage for the first time. Given previous results and the current Bundesliga table, Bayern are no doubt favourites. However, Leipzig’s history in the cup suggests that this tie will be anything but simple at the Allianz Arena. Die Roten Bullen have reached the final four of the DFB Cup in five of the last six seasons – the most of any team since 2020/21. They have also never lost in the quarter-finals.

Olise’s love for Leipzig

Leipzig in particular have had to bear the brunt of Bayern’s blistering attack this season. Of the record-breaking 79 goals they have scored in the Bundesliga this term, 11 have been against Leipzig. Michael Olise has been the chief architect of Die Roten Bullen’s misery in this fixture. When the teams met just three weeks ago at the Red Bull Arena, the winger came off the bench in the 57th minute and tore Leipzig apart with a goal and three assists. His total of four goals and five assists against them is his best record against any team since he moved to Munich.

Attack, attack, attack

There’s also no way you can forget Harry Kane. He’s the leading scorer in the 2025/26 DFB Cup with five goals from three games. He also bagged a hat-trick against Leipzig on the opening night of the Bundesliga season, plus another goal in last month’s meeting. Bayern’s attack know full well how they can hurt Leipzig and will want to show that again on Wednesday.

Try our matchday quiz ahead of the game to win prizes: