Leipizig won DFB Pokal on penalties, the first title in its history

Red Bull Leipizig, founded in 2009, took just 13 years to achieve its first title. Now, in their third final in three years, they have finally conquered DFB Pokal after beating Freiburg on penalties (1-1 and 2-4) at the Berlin Olympics despite playing less game time due to direct red card to Marcel Halstenberg.

Leipzig, who lost to Bayern Munich in 2019 (3-0) and last year against Borussia Dortmund (4-1), have theoretically started out as favorites in this unprecedented final, even if it’s because they have top players in their rankings. Christopher Nkunku, but Freiburg, with his impeccable defensive strategy, barely got the ball to the French playmaker by closing the line of passes inside.

Behind Freiburg, Nico Schlotterbeck is particularly outstanding, but he has not been relieved of a title after being signed by Borussia Dortmund for next season.

Advancement of Freiburg

The first half was played at a slower pace than usual in the Bundesliga as both teams tried to minimize mistakes. In this situation, Freiburg was more comfortable, so they started scoring.

In the 19th minute a step started with a long ball by Vincenzo Grifo from the left to the back of the defense which Christian Günter took advantage of to cross and, after being out of control by Rolland Sallai, Maximilian Eggestein put up a great shot with his left foot which he clung to next to the pole.

The VAR did not invalidate the goal despite the fact that the ball bounced off the lawn and accidentally hit Sallai’s hand. In any case, the goal rose to the scoreboard for the first time Freiburg had.

Red to Halstenberg

After the break, Leipzig improved and, in the 50th minute, Nkunku appeared with a shot in the half turn that was caught by Mark Flekken with nimble reflexes.

But another long ball seemed to ruin the spirited team when Lucas Höler won in the back against Marcel Halstenberg, who, being outmatched, grabbed the striker as he fled and saw a direct red card (57 ‘).

Freiburg had a few chances before Domenico Tedesco brought in Dani Olmo for Kevin Kampl. An offensive change that resulted for Leipzig shortly after despite playing less.

Nkunku draw

Lucas Klostermann placed a cross, Willi Orban headed to the far post and there, with almost no angle, Nkunku placed his right foot to push the ball into the net (75 ‘).

The goal psychologically affected Freiburg when they were close to victory in their first final, while giving wings to a Leipzig who, from blocking, had two good chances to decide on the final before extra time.

But Flekken fired a point-blank shot from Benjamin Heinrichs (83 ‘) and Dani Olmo, after controlling a pass by Nkunku with his chest, had his volley hit the post (85’).

Freiburg forgave the extra time and paid for it

In extra time the revolutions fell but Freiburg was very close to avoiding the shootout on two clear occasions. In the 104th minute, Flekken deflected enough for Janik Haberer’s whip to drive the post and, on the rebound, Ermedin Demirovic shot high in all of his favor.

And, at 115 ‘, Haberer hit the crossbar with a good shot with his instep. Leipzig fought the inferiority and, already on the horn, the referee consulted with the VAR to confirm his decision not to impose a penalty on Dani Olmo’s fall against Nicolas Höfler. Kevin Kampl protested and saw the second yellow.

Finally, on penalties, Leipzig proved impeccable and converted all four of their shots, including Dani Olmo, while Freiburg missed two: Günter’s shot was high and Demirovic hit the crossbar.