Bayern have made it through to the DFB Cup final for the 23rd time in their history and are now bidding to bring the trophy back to Munich for the 19th time at Berlin's Olympiastadion on Saturday. In contrast, opponents RB Leipzig are in the final for the first time, becoming the 39th different club in the history of the competition to achieve this. fcbayern.com has collated some other interesting facts and figures ahead of the match:
Previous cup clash decided by penalties
These two sides are familiar with each other having met in the Bundesliga just two weeks ago. That encounter at Leipzig ended goalless – the first draw in this fixture. As well as four league meetings, three of which have gone Bayern’s way and one which Leipzig won, the two teams also met in the second round of the DFB Cup last season. It was 1-1 after 120 minutes but the Munich men eventually progressed thanks to a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.
Leipzig at home in Berlin
RB Leipzig only have positive memories of their trips to the Olympiastadion, since they have won all three of their away matches against Hertha BSC. Striker Timo Werner in particular has enjoyed his trips to the capital, scoring on each occasion and bagging five goals in total. Saturday evening will show whether the Red Bulls can continue this run against different opposition.
Müller one ahead of Leipzig
Bayern stalwart Thomas Müller made his cup debut on 2 August 2009 in a 3-1 victory at SpVgg Neckarelz, less than three months after RB Leipzig had been set up in its current form (on 19 May 2009). Since then, the attacker has notched up 30 goals in the competition – one more than the Saxony club have managed in their entire cup history.
Stieler to officiate
Tobias Stieler has the honour of refereeing this year’s cup final. Bayern have won 16, drawn two and lost just two of the 20 games which the 37-year-old has taken charge of, including the spectacular 5-4 success at Leipzig in May 2017. Stieler will be assisted by Christian Gittelmann and Dr. Matthias Jöllenbeck, with Bibiana Steinhaus as fourth official. Tobias Welz and Dr. Martin Thomsen are the video assistants.
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