Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, achieved a historic double on Saturday by winning the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) with a narrow 1-0 victory against Kaiserslautern, a second Bundesliga team, in a final that was more competitive than anticipated.

The match was decided by a spectacular goal from Granit Xhaka. Leverkusen faced a significant challenge as they played the entire second half with ten men following Kossounu's red card.

The dismissal forced Leverkusen to adjust their strategy, adopting a more defensive stance and looking to capitalize on counter-attacks. Despite being a man down, they managed to hold onto their lead and secure the cup, adding to their Bundesliga title to complete the double.