Dortmund swept past Leipzig 4-1 to win the DFB Pokal Final. Reminiscent from Saturday, Dortmund began proceedings in devastating fashion as the man in form Sancho and Haaland wreaked havoc as Leipzig struggled to maintain any sort of rhythm.
Hoping to go one better than their 2018-19 runner up medal. Leipzig were completely outgunned as Julian Nagelsmann’s desire to leave with a trophy was not to be. Dortmund were ruthless in their finishing and put the game to bed in the first half itself in a one-sided final.
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𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 🆕@BlackYellow are now 5-times winners of the #DFBPokal 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆#Berlin2021 #RBLBVB pic.twitter.com/dfxYPbMhPJ— The DFB-Pokal (@DFBPokal_EN) May 13, 2021
Sancho’s brace took him to six goals top of the competition scoring chart and the Englishman could have had a hattrick but will leave the pitch the happier customer as Dortmund cruises to lift their 5th German Cup. Here are our key takeaways from the match –
PICKING UP FROM THE LAST GAME
Dortmund started in rapid fashion just like they did against their opponents on Saturday. Rejuvenated with top form back Sancho gave Dortmund the lift-off in the fifth minute. After Reus stole it from Kampl, Haaland was of course involved as he fed Dahoud who spread it wide to the Englishman. He took a touch and carved a delicious right-footed strike into the top corner.
Just as Leipzig began to find their passing rhythm after the early Dortmund onslaught, Haaland delivered a double blow. Strength and composure from Norwegian as Dortmund pressed and won the ball from a Leipzig’s throw-in. Reus drove forward and rolled the ball into the path of the Norwegian, who knocked Upamecano out of the way before side-footing it past Gulasci.
Jadon Sancho has scored 15+ goals in each of his last two seasons:
🔘 20 in 19/20
🔘 15 in 20/21Unbelievable talent. ⚫️🟡 pic.twitter.com/At4FMHJgnf
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 13, 2021
Haaland and Sancho continued to terrorise Leipzig as they combined to release Reus, with the latter playing the killer pass. However, the killer finish wasn’t there as Reus failed to make proper contact with the shot and rather scuffed it into the gloves of Gulacsi.
Sancho had his second, Dortmund had their third as Leipzig were put into further disarray just at the stroke of halftime. Haaland held off Upamecano as Dahoud released Reus through on goal. He looked up and unselfishly rolled it across to Sancho, who danced around Halstenburg before slotting it into an empty net. The assistant raised the offside flag but a VAR check confirmed the goal.
LEIPZIG LOOKING TO HIT EARLY
Leipzig looking to breathe some life into any possible comeback started the second half brightly looking to force the Dortmund backline into reaction. Substitute Nkunku almost got on the scoresheet as he was denied only by the woodwork. He connected sweetly with Haidara’s cross and Burki was well beaten.
COME ON, #RBL‼️
🔴⚪️ #RBLeipzig #RBLBVB 1-3 (79') pic.twitter.com/NzK5K11a2A
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) May 13, 2021
Burki was forced into action, pulling off a save from Sabitzer who made a driving run but lacked the final clinical finish. Leipzig continued to threaten and had their reward to keep the game alive. Guerriero made a mess of his clearance, as Nkuku teed up Olmo who lashed a left-footed shot into the top corner
MISSED HATTRICK AND WINNER
Sancho could have had his hat-trick, one on one with the Leipzig keeper, the Englishman rounded Gulacsi but took too long to get his shot away as the Leipzig No 1 made a quick recovery to pull off a block.
88 | GET IN GET IN GET IN GET IN GET IN GET IN!!!#LeipzigBVB 1-4 pic.twitter.com/FJhPBToA4h
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 13, 2021
Leipzig’s second-half efforts to force a comeback were delivered a hacksaw finish. The attacking move was led by the excellent Sancho as he flew down the right and picked out Haaland who scored with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
NAGELSMANN LEAVES EMPTY
This was supposed to be Nagelsmann’s big day. The stage had been set for him to make history with Leipzig to lift their first cup. But Dortmund have ruined the party. His superb work in constructing the Red Bull club and making them a household name in Germany and in Europe will be recognised but his failure to deliver a trophy will hurt.
Nagelsmann will head to Bayern next season, where he will definitely have the opportunity at future silverware, but the challenge to win Leipzig their debut trophy would have definitely been acknowledged as a big achievement by the young German.
