Ribéry returns from suspension for final

Only a relatively small number of players ever contest the DFB Cup final at Berlin Olympic Stadium, and those that do never forget the experience. They speak of magic place, a unique event, and an extraordinary atmosphere. Most have retained cherished personal memories of the German capital, including Franck Ribéry, who won his first trophy with Bayern there on 19 April 2008. “Luca Toni scored twice against Dortmund in that game,” recalled the Frenchman. The big Italian did indeed score the winning goal in extra time. After the final whistle, Ribéry memorably seized the cup itself and started a game of chase around the hallowed turf with his team-mates in hot pursuit.

Ribéry returns to the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, for the fourth time in his six years with Bayern to date. Bayern can complete the fabled treble if they beat VfB Stuttgart, writing this generation of players into the club’s history books. “We’ve worked so hard and invested so much. We have to take our chance of the treble,” the 30-year-old declared on Wednesday.