After putting three past RB Leipzig in Bundesliga action last weekend, Borussia Dortmund managed that feat again in the 2021 DFB-Pokal Final on Thursday, except they did it in just 45 rip-roaring minutes at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
But just like the league match, Leipzig gave Dortmund everything it could handle in the second half.
The game’s opening goal arrived just five minutes into the final, and it was 21-year-old Englishman Jadon Sancho who curled an unstoppable effort into the bottom right corner.
If that goal showcased all the skill and technique of Sancho, Dortmund’s second was evidence of Erling Haaland’s otherworldly power as the son of Paul Bunyan.
This match had the interesting subplot of still being influenced by Bayern Munich despite the obvious absence of Germany’s most successful club. Back in February, Bayern announced that RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano would be joining on July 1 after the club met his $51.33 million release clause. Then, at the end of April, Bayern anointed Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann as Hans-Dieter Flick’s replacement come July 1.
While Bayern has traditionally poached the best talent from Borussia Dortmund, one player that’s reportedly not on the Bavarian’s wish list is Erling Haaland.
Bayern’s next CEO, Oliver Kahn, recently said as much to German newspaper Bild: “Sorry, but those who are talking about (Haaland’s transfer) still haven’t understood the situation. A transfer estimated at more than $120.73 million is absolutely unthinkable for Bayern at the moment. Robert (Lewandowski) still has a two-year contract here. His performances cannot be questioned. He can keep his level for a few more years. That’s enough reason not to think of Haaland.”
But it was Haaland who left Upamecano on the floor and Nagelsmann flustered in the dugout with his 28th-minute goal.
HAALAND BULLIED UPAMECANO ON THIS GOAL pic.twitter.com/FvXmiltFR8
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 13, 2021
Leipzig capitulated before halftime, allowing Marco Reus to sprint clear before squaring for Sancho.
Jadon Sancho is too cool pic.twitter.com/fOcf2I0APw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 13, 2021
Nagelsmann made five changes before the 70th minute as Leipzig looked for a way back, and the team came agonizingly close with a number of chances before Dani Olmo's blast in the 71st.
¡Golazo de #DaniOlmo que quiere encaminar la remontada!#Dortmund 3 - 1 #Leipzig pic.twitter.com/LmbzfjE1K8
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) May 13, 2021
But Leipzig couldn’t find a second, and Haaland made it 4-2 in the 87th minute with a finish so bad that it was perfect. Receiving the ball at the top of the area, Haaland slipped, kicked the ball off his plant foot and totally fooled Péter Gulácsi by ultimately shooting straight down the middle of the goal. TOR!
Haaland, what kind of goal is that? pic.twitter.com/plzSNPVUPJ
— B/R Goal (@br_goal) May 13, 2021
USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams couldn’t make an appearance for Leipzig as he was ruled out with back problems, while Gio Reyna made a quick cameo off the bench for Dortmund in added time.
Gio Reyna into the DFB Pokal Final late with @BlackYellow on their way to the .
Milestone for Gio! pic.twitter.com/tx1Fo6c44D— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) May 13, 2021
