2018 DFB-Pokal final
The 2018 DFB-Pokal Final was the 76th edition of the final match of Germany's premier knockout football competition, contested on 19 May 2018 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin between Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and eighth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.[1][2] Eintracht Frankfurt won the match 3–1, securing their fifth DFB-Pokal title overall and ending a 30-year wait for major silverware since their 1988 victory.[3][4] The upset denied Bayern Munich a domestic double, as the Bavarians had already clinched the 2017–18 Bundesliga title.[5][2] Bayern Munich entered the final as heavy favorites, having won a record 18 DFB-Pokal titles and boasting stars like Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller under interim manager Jupp Heynckes, who had returned to guide them to the league crown.[6] Eintracht Frankfurt, managed by Niko Kovač in his final match before succeeding Heynckes at Bayern, had reached the final by defeating strong sides including Borussia Mönchengladbach and Schalke 04, building on their momentum as runners-up in the previous season's cup.[2][1] The match drew a crowd of 74,322 spectators, filling the historic venue that has hosted DFB-Pokal finals since 1985.[6][5] The game began with Frankfurt striking first in the 11th minute, as Ante Rebić capitalized on a mistake by Bayern's James Rodríguez to score, assisted by Kevin-Prince Boateng.[1][5] Bayern equalized in the 53rd minute through Lewandowski, who finished a low cross from Joshua Kimmich to level the score at 1–1.[1][5] Frankfurt regained the lead in the 82nd minute with Rebić's second goal, a controversial strike initially ruled offside but upheld after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review—marking one of the first high-profile uses of the technology in a German final.[2][1] Mijat Gaćinović sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the 90+6th minute, assisted by Jetro Willems, as Bayern's late pressure yielded no further breakthroughs despite hitting the woodwork twice.[6][5] Refereed by Felix Zwayer, the final showcased Frankfurt's clinical counter-attacking style against Bayern's 77% possession dominance.[1][6] The triumph qualified Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League group stage and earned them the right to host the 2018 DFL-Supercup against Bayern Munich, which they lost 0–5.[1][7] For Bayern, the loss ended Heynckes' second stint without a cup triumph and highlighted vulnerabilities ahead of Kovač's arrival.[2] The final remains a landmark upset in modern German football, underscoring the DFB-Pokal's reputation for delivering dramatic and unpredictable conclusions.[2][5]Background
Tournament context
The DFB-Pokal is Germany's premier domestic cup competition, contested in a single-elimination knockout format that begins with a round of 64 teams. It features all 36 clubs from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga, the top four finishers from the 3. Liga, and 24 amateur sides that qualify as winners of regional association cups, ensuring a mix of professional and lower-tier teams from the opening round onward.[8] Matches are decided by extra time and penalties if necessary, with no replays, and the tournament progresses through six rounds to crown the champion. The 2017–18 DFB-Pokal marked the 75th edition of the competition, commencing on 11 August 2017 and culminating in the final on 19 May 2018 at Berlin's Olympiastadion. Borussia Dortmund entered as defending champions after securing their fourth title with a 2–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the previous season's final on 27 May 2017.[9] Bayern Munich, appearing in a record 22nd final, arrived as heavy favorites bolstered by their dominance in the tournament's history, having claimed 18 previous titles, while Eintracht Frankfurt positioned as underdogs seeking their first triumph since 1988.[10][11] As the season's climax, the 2018 final carried significant stakes beyond the trophy itself: the winner earned qualification for the 2018 DFL-Supercup against the 2017–18 Bundesliga champions—Bayern Munich—and a berth in the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League group stage, provided they had not already secured a Champions League spot through league position.[2] This opportunity underscored the DFB-Pokal's role in bridging domestic and European success, particularly for non-top-four Bundesliga sides.[12]Participating teams
Bayern Munich entered the 2018 DFB-Pokal final as the defending Bundesliga champions, having secured their 27th league title with a record of 27 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, amassing 84 points from 34 matches.[13] The team, temporarily managed by Jupp Heynckes following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti in September 2017, featured a star-studded lineup including forwards Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller, as well as midfielder Joshua Kimmich, who were instrumental in their dominant campaign.[14] As Bundesliga winners, Bayern sought to complete a domestic double by claiming the Pokal, which would have marked their 12th such achievement in club history.[15] Eintracht Frankfurt, in contrast, finished the 2017–18 Bundesliga season in 8th place with 49 points from 14 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses.[16] Under manager Niko Kovač, who had taken charge in March 2016, the team relied on key contributors such as forward Ante Rebić, midfielder Mijat Gaćinović, and striker Luka Jović to drive their mid-table performance.[17] Positioned as underdogs, Frankfurt had not won a major trophy since their 1988 DFB-Pokal triumph, and a victory in the final would secure their qualification for the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League group stage.[18] The rivalry between the two sides highlighted Bayern's recent superiority, with the Bavarians winning four of their previous five encounters across all competitions, including a 1–0 away victory on December 9, 2017, and a 4–1 home win on April 28, 2018.[19]Path to the final
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich entered the 2017–18 DFB-Pokal as the competition's record winners with 18 previous titles, aiming to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2016. Their campaign began in the first round with a dominant away victory over third-division side Chemnitzer FC on 12 August 2017, winning 5–0 at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. Robert Lewandowski scored twice in the 20th and 60th minutes, while Kingsley Coman, Renato Sanches, and Joshua Kimmich added the others, showcasing Bayern's attacking depth early on despite rotating several players from their Bundesliga lineup.[20] In the second round on 25 October 2017, Bayern faced RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena, ending in a 1–1 draw after extra time, with Bayern advancing 5–4 on penalties. Leipzig took the lead through Emil Forsberg's penalty in the 29th minute, but Thiago Alcântara equalized with a header in the 45+2nd minute; no further goals ensued, and Bayern prevailed in the shootout.[21][22] The round of 16 brought a high-stakes clash against defending champions Borussia Dortmund on 20 December 2017 at the Allianz Arena. Bayern took a 2–0 lead into halftime through Jérôme Boateng's long-range effort in the 12th minute and Thomas Müller's finish in the 40th, but Dortmund pulled one back via Andriy Yarmolenko in the 77th. Bayern held firm to advance 2–1, demonstrating resilience in Der Klassiker despite a late push from their rivals.[23] Advancing to the quarter-finals, Bayern traveled to SC Paderborn 07 on 6 February 2018 and secured a 6–0 victory at the Benteler Arena. Kingsley Coman opened the scoring in the 19th minute, followed by Robert Lewandowski in the 25th, Joshua Kimmich before halftime in the 42nd, Corentin Tolisso in the 55th, and Arjen Robben with two late goals in the 85th and 88th minutes, underlining Bayern's superiority over the third-division leaders.[24][25] The semi-finals pitted Bayern against Bayer Leverkusen on 17 April 2018 at the BayArena, where they won 6–2. Robert Lewandowski scored twice early (7th and 16th minutes), Lars Bender pulled one back for Leverkusen in the 24th; Thomas Müller added goals in the 52nd and 78th, Thiago Alcântara in the 61st, with Leon Bailey scoring for Leverkusen in the 72nd. This victory set up the final against Eintracht Frankfurt.[26][27] Throughout their path to the final, Bayern Munich scored 20 goals and conceded 4 across five matches, maintaining strong form by rotating the squad effectively while relying on key contributions from stars like Lewandowski (5 goals) and Müller. This run complemented their dominant Bundesliga season, where they clinched the title with a record-extending 27th championship.[28]Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt entered the 2017–18 DFB-Pokal as a mid-table Bundesliga side, having finished the previous season in 11th place, and emerged as surprise contenders by reaching the final for the second consecutive year after a 2–1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in 2017.[16] Under manager Niko Kovač, the team demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline throughout their campaign, advancing as underdogs against a mix of lower-division and top-flight opponents. Their path featured efficient scoring from key forwards like Sébastien Haller and Luka Jović, coupled with a robust defense that limited concessions. In the first round on 12 August 2017, Frankfurt secured a comfortable 3–0 away victory over fifth-tier TuS Erndtebrück, with goals from Timothy Chandler in the 35th minute, Mijat Gaćinović in the 72nd, and Haller in the 76th.[29] The match provided a straightforward start, allowing the Bundesliga outfit to build confidence against a regional league side struggling to compete in possession and chances. The second round on 24 October 2017 saw another dominant performance, as Frankfurt defeated fourth-tier 1. FC Schweinfurt 05 4–0 away, with Haller scoring twice (14th and 58th minutes), Marius Wolf adding one in the 63rd, and Jetro Willems sealing it in the 85th.[30] The clean sheet highlighted their solid defensive organization, while quick transitions exploited the hosts' defensive gaps, underscoring Frankfurt's growing momentum in the competition. The round of 16 on 20 December 2017 brought greater challenge against second-division 1. FC Heidenheim, ending in a 2–1 extra-time win away after a 0–0 draw in regular time. Heidenheim took the lead through Marc Schnatterer in the 91st minute, but Haller equalized in the 96th with an assist from Danny da Costa, and Gaćinović netted the winner in the 119th.[31] This tense encounter featured late drama, with Frankfurt's perseverance in extra time proving pivotal against a resilient opponent. Advancing to the quarter-finals on 7 February 2018, Frankfurt hosted rivals Mainz 05 and claimed a 3–0 victory in the Rhein-Main derby. Ante Rebić opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a left-footed finish, followed by an own goal by Alexander Hack in the 53rd and a strike from Omar Mascarell in the 62nd.[32] The result marked an upset over a fellow Bundesliga side then languishing near the relegation zone, boosted by Frankfurt's clinical finishing and home support at Deutsche Bank Park. The semi-final on 18 April 2018 pitted Frankfurt against second-placed Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04, resulting in a 1–0 away triumph that secured their final berth. Luka Jović scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute with a backheel from a Jonathan de Guzmán corner, capitalizing on a set-piece opportunity.[33] This narrow upset against a high-flying opponent showcased Frankfurt's defensive solidity and opportunistic play, marking their return to the DFB-Pokal final just a year after their previous appearance. Across their five matches en route to the final, Frankfurt scored 13 goals while conceding only one, reflecting a campaign built on counter-attacks and set-piece proficiency that neutralized stronger sides.[34] Their tight backline and swift transitions, as evidenced in victories over Heidenheim and Schalke, positioned the eighth-placed Bundesliga team as resilient underdogs heading into the showdown.[1]Pre-match
Venue and officials
The 2018 DFB-Pokal final was held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, a neutral venue with a capacity of 74,475 that has hosted every DFB-Pokal final since 1985.[35][36] Originally constructed for the 1936 Summer Olympics, the stadium also served as the site of the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, adding to its historical prestige as a major football landmark.[37] The match took place on 19 May 2018, with kick-off at 20:00 CEST under mild evening conditions of approximately 18–20 °C and clear skies.[35][38] It drew a sell-out crowd of 74,322 spectators and was broadcast live in Germany on ARD's Das Erste and Sky Deutschland.[6][39] Felix Zwayer of Berlin officiated the final, marking his first time refereeing a major DFB showpiece event; his assistant referees were Thorsten Schiffner of Konstanz and Markus Häcker of Waren, with Patrick Ittrich of Hamburg serving as the fourth official.[40] Video assistant referee (VAR) duties were handled by Bastian Dankert, supported by René Rohde as assistant VAR—this was the first DFB-Pokal final to incorporate VAR technology, which was introduced that season from the quarter-finals onward and notably used during a late penalty review incident.[40][41]Team preparations
Bayern Munich approached the final with a largely fit squad, though Manuel Neuer remained sidelined by a foot injury and served as a substitute, with Sven Ulreich starting in goal as part of a rotation from their recent Bundesliga finale.[40] The starting XI was Ulreich; Kimmich, Süle, Hummels, Alaba; Javi Martínez, Thiago Alcántara; Ribéry, James Rodríguez, Müller; Lewandowski, with substitutes including Coman, Tolisso, and Wagner.[42] Coach Jupp Heynckes, in his final match before retirement, stressed the need for focus and a strong response to their prior league defeat, emphasizing that the team must avoid complacency in pursuit of a domestic double despite their Bundesliga title.[43] Eintracht Frankfurt fielded a confident lineup bolstered by the return of midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng from a minor knock, who started alongside regular contributors.[44] Their starting XI consisted of Hradecky; da Costa, Abraham, Salcedo, Willems; Mascarell, Gaćinović, Boateng; Fabián, Rebić, Haller, with substitutes including Jović and Kostić.[42] Manager Niko Kovač, set to join Bayern the following season, motivated his underdog side by highlighting their season-long unity and the necessity to perform at their limit, stating, "Everything starts with the right attitude" during the pre-match press conference.[45] Media predictions heavily favored Bayern Munich, with betting odds listing them at approximately 1/6 to win compared to 10/1 for Frankfurt, underscoring the Bavarians' opportunity to secure a league-and-cup double.[46] Pre-match activities included joint press conferences in Berlin where both coaches discussed tactics and respect for the opponent, followed by fan arrivals at the Olympiastadion and the playing of national anthems before kickoff.Match
Summary
The 2018 DFB-Pokal final, held on 19 May at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, pitted Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich against Eintracht Frankfurt in a clash that ended in a stunning 1–3 upset victory for the underdogs.[2] Frankfurt struck first in the 11th minute when Ante Rebić capitalized on a defensive error by James Rodríguez to fire home a long-range shot, giving the Eagles an early lead against the run of play.[47] Bayern, seeking a domestic double after securing the league title, responded in the second half with Robert Lewandowski leveling the score in the 53rd minute via a clinical finish from a Joshua Kimmich assist, restoring parity and shifting momentum toward the favorites.[48] The turning point came late in regulation time, as Frankfurt's counterattacking resolve shone through despite Bayern's overwhelming control. Rebić restored the lead in the 82nd minute with a decisive strike on a swift break, a goal upheld after a VAR review dismissed Bayern's handball claims, exposing defensive vulnerabilities in the Bavarians' setup.[49] In the dying moments of stoppage time, Mijat Gaćinović sealed the triumph with a composed long-range effort in the 90+6th minute, exploiting Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich's advanced position during a corner, as Frankfurt held firm to secure their first DFB-Pokal title since 1988.[50] Bayern dominated possession with 77% throughout, generating numerous chances but failing to convert against Frankfurt's resilient defense and opportunistic attacks, marking a rare cup final defeat for the powerhouse club and denying them the double.[50] This shock result under outgoing manager Niko Kovač propelled Frankfurt into European competition and highlighted their tactical discipline in one of the competition's most memorable upsets.[2]Details
The match kicked off with Bayern Munich asserting early dominance in possession, but Eintracht Frankfurt capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 11th minute when Ante Rebić intercepted a loose pass from James Rodríguez and fired a long-range right-footed shot into the net, assisted by Kevin-Prince Boateng.[1] Bayern had come close to taking the lead just three minutes earlier, as Robert Lewandowski's free kick struck the underside of the crossbar.[2] Throughout the first half, Bayern applied sustained pressure but struggled to create clear chances, while Frankfurt absorbed the attacks effectively. Yellow cards were issued to Carlos Salcedo for a foul (7'), Lewandowski for a late challenge (38'), Makoto Hasebe for impeding a counter (45+1'), and Jetro Willems for a tactical foul (45+2').[5] In the second half, Bayern equalized in the 53rd minute when Joshua Kimmich delivered a low cross from the right flank, which Lewandowski converted with a first-time left-footed shot from close range.[6] Frankfurt responded by dropping into a deep defensive block to frustrate Bayern's attacks, limiting their opponents to few genuine threats despite continued possession dominance. Substitutions were made as Mijat Gaćinović replaced Marius Wolf (61'), Corentin Tolisso came on for Thiago Alcântara (64'), and Kingsley Coman substituted for Thomas Müller (70'); for Frankfurt, Marco Russ entered for Jonathan de Guzmán (74').[5] Frankfurt regained the lead in the 82nd minute through Rebić's second goal, a clinical right-footed finish after latching onto a long ball from Danny da Costa, with the decision upheld following a VAR review for a potential handball.[6] Sandro Wagner replaced Franck Ribéry for Bayern (87'), while Rebić received a yellow card for excessive celebration (82') and Coman was booked for a foul (87'). Sébastien Haller came on for Rebić (89'). In stoppage time, Gaćinović sealed the victory with a right-footed shot from outside the box assisted by Jetro Willems following a fast break after Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich had ventured forward for a corner (90+6'). A tense VAR review in the 90+4th minute examined a foul by Boateng on Javi Martínez in the penalty area but awarded no penalty, preventing Bayern from forcing extra time.[1] The final whistle confirmed Eintracht Frankfurt as champions with a 3-1 victory, their fifth DFB-Pokal title, as no red cards were shown during the match.[5]Statistics
Bayern Munich dominated possession with 77% compared to Eintracht Frankfurt's 23%, reflecting their control of the game through sustained pressure.[51] They also outshot Frankfurt significantly, registering 22 shots to Frankfurt's 8, though both teams managed 5 shots on target each.[51]| Statistic | Bayern Munich | Eintracht Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 77% | 23% |
| Total shots | 22 | 8 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 5 |
| Corners | 8 | 6 |
| Fouls | 9 | 21 |
| Total passes | 617 | 182 |
| Pass accuracy | 89% | 63% |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 4 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |