DFB Pokal (Germany), 2024/2025, all matches

The German Cup, or DFB-Pokal, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in German football. Founded in 1935, the tournament attracts teams from all levels of German football, from the Bundesliga to amateur clubs. The tournament is known for its unexpected results and dramatic moments.

The German Cup is played as a knockout tournament. Clubs from the lower divisions begin the tournament in the preliminary stages, while Bundesliga teams enter the competition in the first round. Each match consists of one stage, which adds intrigue and tension.

The most successful club in the German Cup is Bayern Munich, which has won the trophy 20 times. Other successful teams are Werder Bremen and Schalke 04, who have won six and five titles respectively.

The 2023/2024 season ended with a thrilling final, in which Bayer Leverkusen beat Kaiserslautern 1-0. The final match was held at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and attracted a large crowd. This victory was the second in the history of Bayer in the DFB Cup.

The only goal in the final was scored by Granit Xhaka in the 37th minute, which secured the victory for Bayer. Xhaka showed an excellent game and was a key figure in this match. Bayer goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky also played an important role, keeping a clean sheet and saving several dangerous shots from the opponent.

The DFB Cup is known for its sensations. In the 2023/2024 season, Kaiserslautern from the 2nd Bundesliga reached the final, beating Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen along the way. These unexpected victories underlined the unpredictability of the tournament, where anyone can win.

Some of the outstanding players in the history of the DFB Cup include legends such as Gerd Müller and Franz Beckenbauer, who have made huge contributions to their teams’ successes. In recent years, Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland have been the bright stars of the tournament, showing great results for their teams.

The DFB Cup is also important for the development of youth players. Young talents get the chance to prove themselves on the big stage, which contributes to their professional growth and attracts the attention of top clubs. For example, Kai Havertz began his career at Bayer Leverkusen and became one of the biggest stars of the DFB Cup before moving to Chelsea.

The history of the DFB Cup is rich in dramatic moments. For example, the 2012 final between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, which ended with a 5-2 victory for Borussia, was one of the most memorable matches in the history of the tournament.

The DFB-Pokal remains a major event in German football, giving clubs from all levels the opportunity to compete for the prestigious trophy and showcase their skills on the national stage.