On May 19, 2018, Bayern Munich faced Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal Final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. In a dramatic and surprising match, Eintracht Frankfurt secured a 3-1 victory, winning the DFB-Pokal and denying Bayern Munich a domestic double.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Bayern Munich: 1 (Robert Lewandowski 53′)
- Eintracht Frankfurt: 3 (Ante Rebić 11′, 82′, Mijat Gaćinović 90+6′)
- Possession:
- Bayern Munich dominated possession with 78%, while Eintracht Frankfurt had 22%. Despite Bayern’s overwhelming control of the ball, Frankfurt’s effective counter-attacking strategy allowed them to capitalize on their opportunities.
- Shots:
- Bayern Munich registered 22 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their relentless attacking efforts to break down Frankfurt’s defense. Eintracht Frankfurt managed 8 shots, with 5 on target, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Bayern Munich had a passing accuracy of 89%, completing 694 passes out of 781 attempts. Eintracht Frankfurt had a passing accuracy of 64%, completing 164 passes out of 256 attempts. Bayern’s superior passing numbers did not translate into goals, as Frankfurt’s disciplined defense and quick transitions were decisive.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Bayern Munich made 7 tackles compared to Eintracht Frankfurt’s 18, highlighting Frankfurt’s defensive effort to contain Bayern’s attack. Frankfurt’s defense, led by David Abraham and Makoto Hasebe, was resolute, particularly in dealing with Bayern’s numerous attempts to score.
- Set Pieces:
- Eintracht Frankfurt’s first goal came from open play. In the 11th minute, Ante Rebić took advantage of a defensive error, racing through on goal and finishing coolly past Sven Ulreich to give Frankfurt the lead. Bayern Munich equalized in the 53rd minute through Robert Lewandowski, who finished from close range after a cross from Joshua Kimmich. However, Frankfurt regained the lead in the 82nd minute when Rebić scored again on the counter-attack. Mijat Gaćinović sealed the victory in the 96th minute with a breakaway goal after Bayern had pushed everyone forward, including the goalkeeper, in search of an equalizer.
- Individual Performances:
- Ante Rebić was the standout performer for Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring twice and using his pace to exploit Bayern’s high defensive line. Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky also played a crucial role, making several key saves to keep Frankfurt in the game. For Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski scored their only goal, but he was largely frustrated by Frankfurt’s defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Bayern Munich, managed by Jupp Heynckes, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling possession and breaking down Frankfurt’s deep defensive lines. Eintracht Frankfurt, under Niko Kovač, used a 3-4-1-2 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Kovač’s tactics were highly effective, with Frankfurt absorbing Bayern’s pressure and hitting them on the break with precision.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team. Bayern Munich’s Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller, along with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Makoto Hasebe and Kevin-Prince Boateng, were booked for tactical fouls aimed at breaking up play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Bayern Munich won 13 corners compared to Eintracht Frankfurt’s 1, reflecting their sustained pressure throughout the match. Both teams were caught offside once, showing their attempts to push forward and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Eintracht Frankfurt’s 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal Final was a stunning upset, marking one of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Despite Bayern Munich’s dominance in possession and numerous attempts on goal, Frankfurt’s effective counter-attacking strategy and resolute defending saw them come out on top.
Ante Rebić was the hero for Frankfurt, scoring twice with clinical finishes that exploited Bayern’s defensive vulnerabilities. Mijat Gaćinović’s goal in stoppage time sealed the victory and sent Frankfurt fans into ecstasy, as their team secured its first DFB-Pokal title since 1988.
For Bayern Munich, the defeat was a bitter end to what had otherwise been a successful domestic season. Jupp Heynckes, in his final match as Bayern manager, saw his side struggle to break down a well-organized Frankfurt defense, and their defensive lapses on the counter-attack proved costly.
Niko Kovač, who would take over as Bayern Munich’s manager the following season, masterminded the victory for Eintracht Frankfurt, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to outthink one of Europe’s top teams. The result was a significant achievement for Frankfurt, highlighting their resilience and ability to perform under pressure in a major final.
