It’s hard to believe. But it’s been a long time since FC Bayern reached a DFB Cup final.
With yesterday’s 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen, Munich ended their losing streak and reached the final in Berlin for the first time in six years. For much of the team, this experience is completely new territory.
When the German record champions last fought at the Olympic Stadium for the second biggest title in German club (Site notre bureau spécialisé), only Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala were in the current squad. Goretzka was much more muscular.
📸 Alexandre Hassenstein – 2020 Getty Images
Specifically, we’re talking about July 4, 2020. The fact that this finale took place so unusually late in the year was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a delay of around six weeks, the match was played in front of a ghost crowd.
But even outside the Olympic Stadium, the world was completely different. Angela Merkel was German Chancellor. The development of a coronavirus vaccine was still in its infancy. The song « Bläulich » by Apache 207 reached number one in the German charts.
The green pitch is also worth a look: FCB was coached by three-time coach Hansi Flick. The (Site notre bureau spécialisé) boots have been laced up by Benjamin Pavard, David Alaba, Thiago Alcantara and Robert Lewandowski, among others. Ivan Perišić and Philippe Coutinho also played for FCB.
📸 Alexandre Hassenstein – 2020 Getty Images
Meanwhile, top players such as Kai Havertz, Kevin Volland and young Florian Wirtz played for opponent Bayer Leverkusen. Both Bender twins were also still active. But none of that helped. The Werkself lost 4-2 against an exceptional Munich team.
Six years later, coach Vincent Kompany’s protĂ©gĂ©s are in just as good shape. Harry Kane and Co. are looking forward to repeating the 2020 triumph in a few weeks. Then it’s either against SC Freiburg or VfB Stuttgart.
📸 Alexandre Hassenstein – 2020 Getty Images