Bayer Leverkusen crowned an exceptional season by winning the DFB Cup, securing a 1-0 victory against 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the final held in Berlin. This victory marks Bayer's second cup triumph in its history, the first being in 1993, and completes a remarkable double for the team that also clinched the German Championship earlier this year. Granit Xhaka's stunning goal in the 16th minute proved to be the decisive moment in a tightly contested match at the sold-out Olympic Stadium, attended by 74,322 spectators.
Xabi Alonso’s squad faced substantial resistance from Kaiserslautern, the truly surprising 'outsiders' of the competition. The second-division team, under veteran coach Friedhelm Funkel, was resolute despite being reduced to ten men after Odilon Kossounou received a yellow-red card in the 44th minute. Leverkusen’s ability to maintain their one-goal lead for much of the game demonstrated their resilience and tactical discipline. The match also saw significant performances from key players like Lukas Hradecky, who was instrumental in goal.
Kaiserslautern, who were hoping for a historic upset, showcased their determination and tenacity, with top scorer Ragnar Ache providing several challenging moments for Leverkusen's defense after being introduced in the second half. Despite being a man down, Leverkusen managed to restrict the opposition effectively while also creating multiple scoring opportunities, with notable contributions from players such as Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick. The team's defense remained solid, navigating the tense final phases of the match without conceding.
The victory in the DFB Cup final comes just days after a disheartening 3-0 loss to Atalanta Bergamo in the Europa League final, the only defeat for Leverkusen this season across all competitions. This double triumph further affirms Leverkusen's status as a dominant force in German football. The season's success is a testament to the leadership of head coach Xabi Alonso and the outstanding performances by the squad, highlighting their consistency, strategic acumen, and unbeatable spirit.
This win affirms Bayer Leverkusen as the sixth club to achieve the prestigious cup and championship double in Germany. Their season record now stands at an incredible 43 wins, 9 draws, and only one defeat. The match atmosphere was electric, with both sets of fans fiercely supporting their teams. The game had to be briefly halted due to flares and fireworks from the stands, adding to the intensity of the occasion. However, once the smoke cleared, Leverkusen's focus and determination led them to a historic victory.
- Friedhelm Funkel, the 70-year-old coach of Kaiserslautern, has a long history with the DFB Cup, having previously played in the final as a player and reaching the final multiple times as a coach. Despite the loss, his team's performance in this year's tournament was commendable, demonstrating their capability to compete against top-tier teams.
- The fans of both teams contributed to the vibrant atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium, with choreographed displays and unrelenting support throughout the match. Leverkusen's fans celebrated the team's second cup victory, while Kaiserslautern's fans displayed resilience and hope, underscoring the communal spirit and passion for football in Germany.
- The strategic changes made by Xabi Alonso, including the introduction of key players like Lukas Hradecky and Patrik Schick, were crucial in maintaining the team's performance and securing the victory. Alonso's decisions and the adjustments made during the game highlighted his tactical expertise and his ability to inspire the team through challenging situations.
