Bayern Munich wins 18th German Cup

A tearful Pep Guardiola added another trophy to his already glittering haul when the departing coach’s Bayern Munich side beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on penalties. The Bavarians claimed a record-extending 18th German Cup, reports the DW (Deutsche Welle).

 

Both teams had plenty of chances on a warm Saturday night at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, but were unable to break the deadlock in 120 intense minutes of regulation time and the match went to penalties.

 

Dortmund’s Sven Bender had his spot kick saved by Manuel Neuer before Sokratis Papastathopoulos shaved the outside of the post with his penalty. Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Bürki kept his side alive when he blocked Joshua Kimmich’s weak effort but Douglas Costa sealed Bayern’s triumph with a confident finish.

 

Guardiola heads for Manchester City having led the Bundesliga champions to an 11th domestic double, but with the disappointment of failing to win the Champions League in three seasons in Germany. Bayern have claimed seven trophies during the Spaniard’s reign, to add to the 14, including two Champions Leagues, he won in four years in charge at Barcelona.

 

“Titles are just numbers to me, the fans are happy,” Guardiola told ARD television.

 

“These three years at Bayern were wonderful for me, I will miss my players,” added the 45-year-old.

 

Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel admitted responsibility for the defeat.

 

“I am angry,” he said. “I should have picked different penalty takes. My mistake.”