BERLIN: RB Leipzig defeated Freiburg 4-2 on penalties in a vibrant DFB-Pokal final on Saturday, bringing Domenico Tedesco’s side their first major trophy despite play­ing for an hour with 10 men at Berlin’s Olympic stadium.

Leipzig’s Benjamin Henrichs converted the winning spot kick in the shootout after Freiburg captain Christian Guenter and forward Ermedin Demirovic missed their penalties following a thrilling clash that ended 1-1 after extra time.

“To win with ten men says a lot about our mentality and I’m really proud.

It’s great to finally get a first title,” said Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg.

Maximilian Eggestein gave Freiburg an early lead in the final before Christopher Nkunku equalised inside 90 minutes after Leipzig had Marcel Halstenberg sent off.

Leipzig’s triumph comes having lost their previous DFB-Pokal appearances to Bayern Munich in 2019, then Dortmund last season. Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco finishes his first season with a trophy having replaced Jesse Marsch last December.

In Saturday’s shoot-out, Freiburg captain Christian Guenter, then replacement striker Ermedin Demirovic failed to convert their penalties as Leipzig nailed all four of theirs.

Freiburg stamped their authority when Eggestein’s shot from outside the area rocketed past Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi on 19 minutes.

The momentum swung towards Freiburg when Halstenberg was left with his head in his hands after earning a red card by pulling the shoulder of Freiburg striker Lucas Hoeler, who was through on goal.

Leipzig deserve credit for fighting back as defender Willi Orban headed a free-kick to the far post where Nkunku tapped in.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Leipzig pushed for the winner.

Only a reflex save by Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken kept out a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick, then Dani Olmo fired wide from close range.

Freiburg replacement striker Janik Haberer had a shot palmed onto the post, then clipped the crossbar in extra time.

Kevin Kampl was shown a red card on Leipzig’s bench after furiously appealing for a penalty after Freiburg’s Nicolas Hoefler tackled Dani Olmo in the area just the penalty shoot-out.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2022