Bayern Munich will host second-division side Magdeburg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, October 28, as heavy favorites to win another DFB-Pokal. The defending champions will try to keep their domestic form going despite injury concerns and Vincent Kompany’s absence. Magdeburg will try to upset one of Germany’s most decorated clubs.

Bayern return to the top of the Bundesliga after a 3-1 win over Freiburg. The win spurred the Bavarians after three draws in four matches across all competitions. Bayern are a formidable attacking force despite occasional defensive issues. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have scored 16 goals and conceded nine. Their ability to dominate in the final third should make them hard to stop, especially at home.

Before the match, Kompany’s absence is crucial. The Belgian coach collapsed Friday while watching the club’s second team train and was hospitalized. Bayern prepare for another tough match with assistant coach Aaron Danks in charge. The German champions will also face several notable absences. Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz, and Aleksandar Pavlovic are expected to miss the game. Bayern may rotate their lineup without them, giving younger players and squad members more minutes.

Harry Kane remains a central figure in the buildup, particularly after being crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner. Although his starting position for the cup tie remains uncertain, the England international’s scoring record and influence in Bayern’s attack make him a major concern for Magdeburg’s defense. Kane has also established himself as a prolific performer in the competition. He scored twice during Bayern’s 4-1 first-round victory over VfL Osnabruck, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate impact in knockout football. Whether he starts or enters as a substitute, his presence could prove decisive if Magdeburg manage to keep the contest competitive.

Magdeburg will arrive in Munich with confidence of their own. The second-tier club sit fifth in the 2. Bundesliga standings with 16 points after nine matches, leaving them within reach of the promotion places. Their recent performances suggest they possess enough attacking quality to threaten opponents, even against superior opposition. Their most recent outing was particularly encouraging, as they defeated Karlsruher SC 6-1. The emphatic result highlighted their offensive potential and offered a psychological boost before facing Bayern. Magdeburg have also demonstrated consistency in recent weeks, collecting three wins, one draw and one defeat across their last five matches in all competitions.

Coach Petrik Sander will nevertheless understand the considerable challenge awaiting his players. Bayern’s individual quality, experience in knockout competitions and home advantage give them a substantial edge. Magdeburg will need disciplined defending, efficient transitions and clinical finishing to create a realistic opportunity for an upset. However, the DFB-Pokal has a history of producing unexpected results, and Magdeburg have reason to believe they can make Bayern uncomfortable. The visitors have reached the round of 16 twice in the last three seasons, demonstrating their capacity to navigate cup competition against stronger opposition.

Bayern, for their part, will be determined to avoid complacency. Their defensive record in recent matches suggests Magdeburg could find opportunities if they attack with purpose. At the same time, allowing the hosts too much space in the final third would likely invite sustained pressure from a team capable of scoring in bunches. The match also carries historical significance. Magdeburg famously eliminated Bayern on penalties in the second round of the DFB-Pokal in November 2000, when the Bavarians suffered a shock defeat against their lower-league opponents. That result remains a reminder that reputations alone cannot guarantee progression in knockout football.

Wednesday’s encounter presents Bayern with an opportunity to take another step toward defending their cup crown, while Magdeburg will seek to recreate one of the competition’s memorable giant-killing stories. With attacking firepower, squad depth and home advantage on their side, Bayern enter the tie as clear favorites. However, Magdeburg’s recent scoring form and determination to challenge an elite opponent could make the contest more competitive than the difference in stature suggests. The hosts will be expected to advance, but they must deliver a disciplined performance to ensure their cup campaign continues without an unexpected setback.