FC Bayern’s DFB-Pokal Final Return: Revisiting the 2020 Triumph and a Transformed World

POLICY WIRE — Berlin, Germany — After a significant six-year hiatus, FC Bayern has secured its return to the prestigious DFB-Pokal final, marking a pivotal moment for the club.

The Munich giants triumphantly ended their drought yesterday, clinching a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen to book their berth in the highly anticipated Berlin showdown.

This return to the final signifies a fresh challenge for a substantial portion of the current squad, as many players will experience the tournament’s climax for the very first time.

When the reigning German champions last competed for this coveted trophy at the Olympiastadion, only a handful of present-day team members were part of the lineup. Specifically, these included seasoned players like Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, and Jamal Musiala.

Intriguingly, during that prior appearance, Goretzka‘s physical build was notably different, showcasing a significant transformation over the years.

A Glimpse into the 2020 Final

The previous DFB-Pokal final involving FC Bayern, held specifically on July 4, 2020, unfolded under unique circumstances. It had been postponed by approximately six weeks from its original schedule due to the emerging global COVID-19 pandemic.

Consequently, the momentous match took place in an eerily quiet stadium, completely devoid of the usual roar of spectators.

Beyond the football pitch, the global landscape presented a vastly different picture. At the time, Angela Merkel held the position of Germany’s Chancellor, while the critical efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine were still in their nascent stages.

Culturally, the German music charts saw Apache 207‘s compelling track, ‘Bläulich,’ occupying the number one spot.

Team Lineups and Managers

On the field, FC Bayern was then under the strategic guidance of coach Hansi Flick, who would famously lead the club to an historic treble. The squad featured prominent talents such as Benjamin Pavard, David Alaba, Thiago Alcantara, and the prolific goal-scorer Robert Lewandowski, alongside loanees Ivan Perišić and Philippe Coutinho. Discussing such historic player rosters often brings up contemporary debates about transfer strategies and player valuations, a topic that continues to generate headlines in European football, as demonstrated by recent discussions surrounding figures like Hakan Calhanoglu at Inter Milan.

Their formidable opponents in 2020, Bayer Leverkusen, also boasted an impressive roster. This included rising stars like Kai Havertz, Kevin Volland, and a then-nascent Florian Wirtz. The experienced Bender twins were also active participants for Leverkusen in that memorable contest.

However, despite their strong lineup, the Werkself ultimately capitulated to a dominant Munich side, suffering a decisive 4-2 defeat.

A Look Ahead

Fast forward six years, and the current Bayern team, now under the stewardship of coach Vincent Kompany, is demonstrating comparable prowess and determination on the pitch.

Star striker Harry Kane and his teammates are intensely focused on replicating the club’s 2020 triumph in the upcoming final, scheduled to take place in a few weeks.

The identity of their final challenger remains to be determined, with the victor emerging from the match between SC Freiburg and VfB Stuttgart.

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