Four Observations from Bayern Munich’s crucial 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig

SB Nation

Bayern Munich are through to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal and what a feeling that is. After a turbulent January for the Bavarian club, Vincent Kompany’s squad earned a massive home result that will

quickly bring fans more optimism for the coming months of the season. RB Leipzig, who are now fighting for European competition next season, have just the Bundesliga left to focus on for the remainder of this season.

This time around, the penalty was deserved

Sunday’s win over Hoffenheim came with an asterisk for many viewers. Hoffenheim suffered a red card and a penalty against Bayern Munich, which proved critical in Hoffenheim’s eventual collapse from the Bavarians relentless attack. The penalty call which was highly criticized as it was not worthy of a penalty for many fans, from both supporting sections.

Against RB Leipzig though, no one can argue that it was not worthy of a penalty. A goalkeeping mistake from Maarten Vandenvoort was a clear and obvious foul which would then give Bayern a deserved lead and game winning goal.

The DFB-Pokal curse is lifted?

Since 2020, Bayern Munich have been the clear best team in the Bundesliga. While Bayer Leverkusen had their miracle run under Xabi Alonso, and Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig fielded competitive teams on occasion, Bayern have largely dominated the league.

The same cannot be said for the DFB-Pokal, where the Munich giants have been struggling to get even past early stages off the cup. The curse has now been lifted — hopefully. Bayern have advanced past the quarter-finals for the first time in the Pokal since 2020, when they went on to win under Hansi Flick. Coincidence?

Luis Díaz is unstoppable

While Michael Olise (alongside Harry Kane) has arguably been the face of this Bayern team for the past two years, there is a real argument that Díaz can contend for Bayern’s best player at the moment.

Olise is world-class when it comes to creating, movement, and finesse. Díaz operates a bit differently though. While they play similar positions on the field, Díaz is a lethal game changer. The Colombian’s pace and relentless in the opposition’s half has been simply incredible this season, and he is accumulating quite the goal catalogue in a very short time thus far in Munich.

While Olise would be the obvious choice as the face of this Bayern team over the next 10 years, Díaz’s performances are quickly making him a fan favorite. Perhaps that price tag really was worth every penny.

Bayern owns RB Leipzig

Over the course of three matches this season, Bayern have an aggregate score of 13-1 over the Red Bull-owned club. That sort of scoreline is nearly comical against any club, let alone a club that has been among the top German sides for years now.

You can buy a club, you can’t buy success.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…