DFB Pokal - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The DFB-Pokal, also known as the German Cup, is the premier knockout cup competition in German football. It was first held in 1935 and is organized by the German Football Association (DFB).
- 2. The DFB-Pokal features teams from all levels of German football, from the top-tier Bundesliga to lower divisions. This allows for smaller teams to potentially face off against top clubs in the country.
- 3. The winner of the DFB-Pokal earns a spot in the following season's UEFA Europa League. If the winner has already qualified for European competition through their league position, the Europa League spot is passed down to the next highest-placed team in the Bundesliga.
- 4. The most successful club in DFB-Pokal history is Bayern Munich, who have won the competition a record 20 times. They are followed by Werder Bremen with 6 titles and Schalke 04 with 5 titles.
- 5. The current format of the DFB-Pokal consists of six rounds, with teams from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga entering in the first round. The final is typically held in May at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
- 6. The DFB-Pokal has seen its fair share of upsets over the years, with lower division teams occasionally knocking out top clubs. One of the most famous upsets in recent history was when fourth-division side Rot-Weiss Essen defeated Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen in the 2020-21 season.
- 7. The fastest goal in DFB-Pokal history was scored by Karim Bellarabi of Bayer Leverkusen, who found the back of the net just nine seconds into a match against Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
- 8. The highest-scoring DFB-Pokal final took place in 1985 when Bayer Uerdingen defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 after extra time. The match featured a total of 5 goals.
- 9. The DFB-Pokal has had a number of memorable finals over the years, including Borussia Dortmund's dramatic 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2017 final, which saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang score the winning goal in the 67th minute.
- 10. The DFB-Pokal has a rich history and is considered one of the most prestigious domestic cup competitions in European football. It provides teams with the opportunity to lift a trophy and qualify for European competition, adding an extra layer of excitement to the German football calendar.