10-Man Bayer Leverkusen Secure DFB-Pokal Triumph Against Kaiserslautern

Bayer Leverkusen, despite being reduced to ten men, rebounded from their UEFA Europa League final disappointment to achieve an unprecedented feat: an unbeaten domestic double. They clinched the DFB-Pokal, adding it to their inaugural Bundesliga title, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over second-tier Kaiserslautern at the Olympiastadion.

The highlight event of the German football calendar took an unexpected turn this season, with Saarbrucken’s heroics paving the way for Kaiserslautern to become the first 2. Bundesliga team to reach the final since MSV Duisburg in 2011.

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Friedhelm Funkel’s squad, supported by a sea of crimson red engulfing the Olympiastadion’s east side, aimed to capitalize on this opportunity. Daniel Hanslik tested Lukas Hradecky in a frantic opening five minutes for Die Roten Teufel.

Nevertheless, the quality of a side undefeated in all 39 domestic matches this season was bound to manifest sooner rather than later. Leverkusen took the lead in spectacular fashion.

Florian Wirtz’s dazzling run and subsequent shot, saved by the keeper, served as a warning to Kaiserslautern. Granit Xhaka capitalized on tentative defending, curling a sensational shot into the top corner from nearly 30 yards out for his first-ever German Cup goal.

Xhaka’s strike was followed by a flurry of chances for Leverkusen. However, momentum shifted just before halftime when Odilon Kossounou received a second yellow card for a reckless high challenge on Boris Tomiak.

As the figurative red mist descended on Kossounou, a literal one enveloped the Kaiserslautern end, leading to a lengthy stoppage that may have disrupted their momentum.

Despite attempts from Amine Adli and Josip Stanisic, Leverkusen couldn’t capitalize on their numerical advantage. A low drive from substitute Ragnar Ache forced Hradecky into a scrambling save, but Leverkusen held on to secure their second German Cup win.

While it wasn’t the decisive victory many expected, the final whistle marked an achievement rivaling Kaiserslautern’s legendary 1997/98 season. This victory immortalizes Alonso and his team among the pantheon of German football legends.