Granit Xhaka’s super long shot helped Bayer Leverkusen defeat Kaiserlautern with a minimum score of 1-0 in the German Cup final.

Xhaka shined in the final match of the season for Leverkusen.

Xhaka shined in the final match of the season for Leverkusen.

In the early morning of May 26 (Hanoi time), coach Xabi Alonso’s team faced many difficulties against opponents playing in Bundesliga 2. Kaiserlautern was rated much lower, but played disciplined and had a good competitive spirit.

Bayer Leverkusen showed clear signs of fatigue after the defeat in the Europa League final in midweek. The defending German champions played moderately and only decided to win the match thanks to a superb long-range shot from Xhaka.

In the 17th minute, the coordination between the duo Schick and Florian Wirtz created conditions for the ball to bounce out right at Xhaka’s momentum. The former Arsenal star had an exemplary finish from 25 meters away to open the score.

However, Leverkusen did not have an easy match after opening the score early. In the 44th minute, midfielder Kossounou received a second yellow card and left the field for stepping on the brass tube of midfielder Tomiak on Kaiserlautern’s side.

Since then, the situation reversed and the German Second Division team almost had an equalizer. Falling into a position with only 10 players, Leverkusen proactively played slowly to slow down the pace of the match.

Leverkusen players celebrate nicely.

Leverkusen players celebrate nicely.

With a higher level, coach Alonso’s team can control the match as they wish. On the other hand, Kaiserlautern tried but could not make a difference.

Leverkusen won the 2nd German National Cup championship in history (first in 1992/93 season). They also became the 5th club in German history to win a double domestic title.

Leverkusen also officially went through the domestic season with an undefeated record. They did not lose in either the Bundesliga or the German Cup throughout the 2023/24 season.