10-man RB Leipzig claim German Cup
BERLIN: Ten-man RB Leipzig lifted the German Cup at the third attempt on Saturday winning 4-2 on penalties having fought back to draw 1-1 against Freiburg after extra-time.
“To win with 10 men says a lot about our mentality and I’m really proud. It’s great to finally get a first title,” said Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg.
Maximilian Eggestein gave Freiburg an early lead at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium before Christopher Nkunku equalised inside 90 minutes after Leipzig had Marcel Halstenberg sent off.
Leipzig’s triumph comes having lost their previous German Cup final appearances to Bayern Munich in 2019, then Dortmund last season.
“That’s crazy, we played 60 minutes with 10 men,” Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff told ARD. “We’re going to party hard, this is an historic evening for us.”
The trophy ceremony was delayed while a person, believed to be a fan, was treated next to the pitch for a medical emergency.
It is the first major title won by RB Leipzig, who are backed by energy drinks giants Red Bull and were only founded in 2009.
They shot up Germany’s football pyramid with four promotions in seven years to reach the Bundesliga in 2016/17, twice finishing second to Bayern Munich in the last six years.
Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco finishes his first season with a trophy having replaced Jesse Marsch last December.
In Saturday’s shoot-out, Freiburg captain Christian Guenter, then replacement striker Ermedin Demirovic failed to convert their penalties as Leipzig nailed all four of theirs.
Freiburg stamped their authority when Eggestein’s shot from outside the area rocketed past Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi on 19 minutes.
Leipzig protested furiously as replays showed the ball clipped the hand of Freiburg’s Roland Sallai in the buildup but the goal stood after a VAR review.
The momentum swung towards Freiburg when Halstenberg was left with his head in his hands after earning a red card by pulling the shoulder of Freiburg striker Lucas Hoeler, who was through on goal.
Leipzig deserve credit for fighting back as defender Willi Orban headed a free-kick to the far post where Nkunku tapped in.