Key Highlights
- The FC Bayern has a five-year Pokalfluch (cup curse) that needs to be broken.
- Vincent Kompany failed to break the curse in his first season as coach.
- Bayern is set to face 1. FC Köln in the DFB-Pokal quarterfinal on October 29, 2025.
- Stammtorhüter Jonas Urbig will start against his former club during the match.
The Long-standing Curse of Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal
Bayern Munich, the reigning champions and six-time winner of the German Cup (DFB-Pokal), is embarking on a new campaign to break its long-standing curse in the cup competition. The club has suffered multiple humiliating defeats over the past five years, with the most recent being their loss against SC Freiburg in the quarterfinals during Thomas Tuchel’s tenure as coach in 2023.
Bayern’s current head coach Vincent Kompany also failed to end this curse in his first season at the helm. His team suffered a disappointing loss against 1.
FC Kaiserslautern, another DFB-Pokal disappointment for the club. The pressure is now on new signing Jonas Urbig, who will start in goal for Bayern during their upcoming match with 1. FC Köln.
Bayern’s Match Against 1. FC Köln: A Test of Resilience
The DFB-Pokal quarterfinal between Bayern Munich and 1. FC Köln is set to take place on October 29, 2025, at 8:45 PM local time in Cologne. This match comes as a significant test for the club, as they aim to end their cup woes.
The game will be broadcast live by t-online.
Bayern’s goal is clear: to break the curse and reach the DFB-Pokal final, which traditionally takes place in Berlin. Despite having won 13 consecutive matches so far this season, Bayern’s players are aware of the challenges ahead. Vincent Kompany emphasized that his team will face a difficult opponent in Köln, who have adopted a fast counter-attacking style that has caused problems for many teams.
The Return of Jonas Urbig: A Significant Factor
Stammtorhüter Jonas Urbig, who recently joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund, will start against his former club. Despite not having played in the cup competition before, Urbig has shown promise in his first few games with the team. He is seen as a valuable asset to the squad and is expected to provide strong support to Manuel Neuer, who remains out due to a red card from their last cup match.
Bayern’s management believes that Urbig is on an “perfect path,” and Christoph Freund expressed his confidence in the young goalkeeper.
Urbig himself is eager for the challenge, stating, “I am looking forward to the game, it is clear.” His performance against Köln will be crucial for Bayern’s hopes of breaking their cup curse.
Besides the pressure on Urbig, Bayern must also contend with the strong performance of Köln and their ability to execute fast counter-attacks. The match represents a significant test for Bayern as they seek to continue their impressive start to the season while overcoming the longstanding Pokalfluch that has plagued them in recent years.
