Bayer Leverkusen 2-4 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have done it again. The Bavarians are DFB-Pokal champions for a record 20th time after smashing Bayer Leverkusen, 4-2, in the final.
It’s also the fifth time Bayern have clinched the domestic league and cup double during their amazing run of eight straight Bundesliga titles.
Hansi Flick’s side has continued its incredible streak of unbeaten matches since returning from the break, and the massive favourites according to the DFB-Pokal 2020 odds were never really in danger of losing to Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, ‘Neverkusen’ have fallen short of silverware yet again as another once-promising season has ended in more disappointment.
Highlights of the game
Bayern were on the front foot right from the off, and winger Kingsley Coman was at the centre of their early pressure.
First, he delivered a cross to Robert Lewandowski, who headed over the bar. Then, he set up Leon Goretzka, who was denied a shot on goal by a last-ditch challenge by Leverkusen defender Wendell.
Coman then had a chance to open the scoring himself in the 10th minute, but his side-footed effort was well-saved by Leverkusen keeper Lukas Hradecky.
Bayern may have just signed Leroy Sane from Manchester City, but Coman looks like he’s ready to compete for playing time next season.
Bayern would eventually get their breakthrough in the 16th minute. David Alaba’s quickly taken free-kick caught Hradecky out as he sent the ball straight into the top corner.
Bayern almost doubled their lead five minutes later, but Thomas Muller couldn’t connect cleanly to a Serge Gnabry cross, which allowed Hradecky to make the save.
Bayern did grab their second goal on 24 minutes. Joshua Kimmich helped win the ball back inside Leverkusen’s half, and his excellent ball sent Serge Gnabry through on goal.
Gnabry’s only goal since the restart was against Leverkusen a month ago, and he scored against them once more as he drilled his shot into the bottom corner.
It took Leverkusen until the 57th minute to fashion their best chance on goal. Moussa Diaby blew past Bayern speedster Alphonso Davies and teed up Kevin Volland, who was waiting unmarked in the box. But the Leverkusen captain completely missed his kick as the great chance went begging.
And as so often happens, Bayern scored almost immediately after Leverkusen squandered their golden opportunity.
Manuel Neuer’s long punt downfield somehow found a completely unmarked Lewandowski, who attempted an audacious long-range volley. The shot went straight at Hradecky, but the ball took a wicked bounce that went between the Leverkusen keeper’s legs and into the net.
It was Lewandowski’s 51st goal of the season, and while it was highly fortunate, it’s still one of the top DFB-Pokal 2020 highlights this season.
Leverkusen finally pulled a goal back on 64 minutes. Captain Sven Bender evaded two Bayern defenders to deliver a bullet header past Neuer.
Bayern really should have restored their three-goal lead on 74 minutes as substitute Ivan Perisic beautifully set up Lewandowski for a tap-in. Somehow, though, the prolific Pole failed to put the ball into a wide-open goal.
But Lewandowski would redeem himself just a minute from time. Perisic once again made a brilliant run into the box and pulled the ball back for Lewandowski, who chipped the ball past Hradecky for Bayern’s fourth.
Similar to their most recent Bundesliga match, Leverkusen would get a late consolation. They were awarded a penalty after an Alphonso Davies handball from a corner.
Kai Havertz, who has been linked with a big-money move away from Leverkusen this offseason, stepped up to the spot to score what could be his last goal for the club as time expired.
Key statistics
The final was a tale of two halves. Bayern dominated the first 45 minutes with eight shots (four on target) as they took a comfortable 2-0 lead.
But they took their foot off the gas in the second half, which allowed Leverkusen more opportunities on goal (seven in total, three on target).
Lewandowski had another wonderful game with six shots and two goals. He’s now up to 52 goals in 34 games in all competitions.
What’s next?
After clinching another domestic double, Bayern will now set their sights on a continental treble when they return to action in the Champions League next month. They still have to play the second leg of their last-16 tie against Chelsea on Aug. 7.
SBOBET odds should have the Bavarians priced as massive favourites to go through after their dominant 3-0 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
As for Leverkusen, they will also be back in action next month in the Europa League. They look likely to move on to the quarter-finals after defeating Rangers 3-1 in the first leg away at Ibrox.
However, it remains to be seen whether they will still have Havertz available for the knockout round amid all the speculation about his future.
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