Bayer Leverkusen wins DFB Pokal to crown impressive season 

Granit Xhaka’s first-half stunner earned ten-man Bayer Leverkusen victory over Kaiserslautern in the DFB-Pokal final at the Olympiastadion on Saturday, May 25.

Coming off the UEFA Europa League final loss to Ademola Lookman-inspired Atalanta on Wednesday, Leverkusen received quite an opening scare from Kaiserslautern, as the second-division club had an early go at Lukas Hradecky through Daniel Hanslik.

Nevertheless, Leverkusen got their groove back when Florian Wirtz’s impressive dribble and shot served as a prelude to Xhaka’s stunning long-range goal in the 16th minute.

When it seemed like the Bundesliga champions had gotten a good grip on the match, Odilon Kossounou was given his marching orders, after a reckless challenge earned him a second yellow card before halftime, shifting momentum to Kaiserslautern.

However, Leverkusen managed to hold on despite late pressure from Kaiserslautern. Key saves by Hradecky and a strategic substitution of Piero Hincapié bolstered their defence, ensuring their narrow victory.

This win not only secured their second domestic trophy this season, but it also ensured they did it invincibly, as their only loss of the season was in the Europa League final.

🚨🚨| Bayer Leverkusen in all competitions this season:

👕 53 matches
✅ 43 wins
➖ 9 draws
❌ 1 defeat

Two titles, one European final… What an incredible season for Bayer Leverkusen. 🇩🇪💫 pic.twitter.com/ES4hHu3Y35

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 25, 2024