Bayern Munich won the 77th DFB Pokal final and completed their second double in a row with a 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Olympiastadion. David Alaba’s pinpoint freekick and Serge Gnabry’s fine finish gave them a 2-0 lead before two goals from Robert Lewandowski in the second half sealed the win. A Sven Bender header gave Leverkusen a slim chance at 3-1 and Kai Havertz scored a late penalty, but Bayern fully deserved their 20th cup triumph.
Here are our player ratings from the Berlin final.
Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer- 2.5
He had no chance with Sven Bender’s goal but was credited with an assist for Robert Lewandowski’s goal after his long punt set up Bayern’s third of the evening. Overall a quiet evening, with the only real downside that he didn’t equal Oliver Kahn’s record of DFB Pokal clean sheets. A fifth winners medal will go some way to making up for that.
Benjamin Pavard- 3
The Frenchman was kept busy dealing with Leon Bailey, but always seemed to get the vital block in when needed. Pavard was not seen as much as usual joining in with the attack, but a solid game, nonetheless.
Jerome Boateng- 1.5
A top performance and a million miles away from last year when he watched from the bench and was then advised by Uli Hoeness to find a new club. He was alert to every danger, prevented an almost certain goal in the 64th minute and even created Bayern’s first chance early in the game with a visionary pass from deep. Substituted with a slight injury with 20 minutes left.
David Alaba- 2.5
His superb free kick opened the scoring for Bayern and impressed as he has done all season as a centre back. He didn’t cover himself in glory for Sven Bender’s header which got Leverkusen on the scoresheet, but all in all another solid display. Now, it’s just a question of sorting that contract.
Alphonso Davies- 3.5
A more subdued performance than we are used to from the Canadian. Seeing Moussa Diaby beat him for pace in the second half, which led to Volland’s huge chance was a little shocking. Defensively sound, but not as big a contribution going forward as usual. His handball late on also led to the Bayer penalty. Having set such massively high standards, good for him is disappointing.
Joshua Kimmich- 1.5
The midfield anchor stole the ball from Baumgartlinger and threaded it through to Gnabry for the 2-0 and was once again the central driving force for Bayern winning duels and passing with extreme accuracy. He was also involved in the move leading to the fourth goal.
Leon Goretzka- 3
Worked well alongside Kimmich in midfield getting through all the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. Unspectacular yet steady.
Thomas Müller- 3
Müller won his sixth winners medal with a typically hard-working performance although he was lacking in chances in the final third. He was mobile and always offered himself, but just didn’t have the opportunity to score or provide the killer assist.
Kingsley Coman- 3.5
Coman had a point to prove following the signing of Leroy Sané and began the game brightly and had a good chance in the first ten minutes. Not as dangerous as Serge Gnabry on the other flank as was withdrawn by Hansi Flick on 64 minutes.
Serge Gnabry- 2
He took a little longer that Coman to get into the game, but then took his chance well to score Bayern’s second goal. Was always a threat down the right and when cutting inside.
Robert Lewandowski- 1
Just a class act. Missed a few chances in the first half but won the free kick which led to Alaba’s opener. Always moving, always able to hold the ball and play in teammates. His first goal was fortunate due to the keeper’s blunder, but his second was another piece of Lewandowski magic. The Pole has now helped himself to 51 goals in all competitions.
Sub: Ivan Perisic- 2.5
Got 25 minutes and provided an excellent assist for Robert Lewandowski to make the score 4-1. He also a good chance himself but was denied by Hradecky.
Subs: Lucas Hernandez, Philippe Coutinho, Thiago– not graded
Bayer Leverkusen
Lukas Hradecky- 4.5
The keeper said in midweek that he’d have to be at his best for Leverkusen to have any chance, and sadly he wasn’t. He did save well from Thomas Müller in the 25th minute and was helpless for the first two goals, but his absolute clanger allowed Lewandowski to score his first. That put the game beyond the Werkself.
S. Bender- 3
Attacked the ball superbly from the corner for the Werkself’s goal but was lacking the necessary pace to deal with Perisic for Bayern’s fourth. Because of the high line Peter Bosz wanted to play, big gaps appeared between him and partner Edmond Tapsoba which Bayern utilised.
L.Bender- 3.5
Played at right back and had a tough time defending Davies and Coman. He did look short of match practice/ fitness although he did test Manuel Neuer with a fierce shot at the end of the first half.
Edmond Tapsoba- 4.5
The defender looked slow and a little too ponderous on the ball. His foul led to the free kick before David Alaba’s opener. Overall a below-par performance considering how he has played in the entire Rückrunde. Often in the wrong position and prone to indecision. A night to forget for Tapsoba.
Wendell- 3.5
Had his good moments as left back but could have conceded a penalty on Gnabry in the first half and didn’t follow the same player for the 2-0. Booked for complaining to cap a bad night for him and Leverkusen.
Julian Baumgartlinger- 4.5
Only lasted 45 minutes as Peter Bosz replaced him at the break. His misplaced pass led to Bayern’s second goal and he was overrun by Kimmich and Goretzka in the centre of the pitch
Charles Aranguiz-3
Showed the intelligence to get himself where he needed to be and was busy helping out the Leverkusen back four. Not able to influence the game going forward though as a result.
Leon Bailey- 3
Kept Benjamin Pavard busy with his dribbling and forward runs, but no real end product from the Jamaican. He did have a great chance on 75 minutes but fired over.
Moussa Diaby- 3.5
His burst of speed took him past Alphonso Davies to set up Kevin Volland for his glorious chance in the second half. Otherwise his passing was a little too inaccurate.
Nadiem Amiri- 4.5
Like Baumgartlinger he was sacrificed at the break. He never really got into the game as a playmaker and didn’t see enough of the ball to really influence the game for Leverkusen in the first 45 minutes.
Kai Havertz- 4.5
A disappointing final in what could have been his last game for the club. Leverkusen needed a big game from their best player but aside from the late penalty there was little joy to be had. Struggled as the false nine in the first half but then didn’t have much of an impact in the number ten position in the second half either.
Sub: Kevin Volland- 5
The striker came on for the second half and then wasted one glorious chance and fluffed another very good opportunity. How he didn’t convert Moussa Diaby’s pass only he will know, but that alone is worth his grade 5.
Sub: Kerem Demirbay-3
He replaced Baumgartlinger at half time and brought more structure and creativity to Leverkusen’s play. His corner delivery led to Sven Bender’s goal
