German record champions Bayern Munich defeated Stuttgart 3-2 in a dramatic German Cup final to wrap up a historic treble at the soldout Berlin Olympia Stadium in Berlin.
The Bavarians completed a perfect season in Jupp Henyckes last match as coach when they became the first German side to clinch the Bundesliga title, German Cup and UEFA Champions League on Saturday night, reports Xinhua.
From the kick off both sides staged high paced and offensively minded football to the delight of 74,244 spectators.
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With roughly two minutes on the clock Arjen Robben’s shot on target almost ensured Bayern a delightful start but Stuttgart’s goalkeeper Sven Ulreich turned the ball around the post.
With 36 minutes into the encounter referee Michael Graefe awarded Bayern a penalty as Stuttgart’s Ibrahima Traore brought down Phillip Lahm inside the box. Thomas Mueller stepped up to convert the penalty with a well-placed shot.
The Bavarians started with vigour into the second half and doubled their lead through Mario Gomez, who exploited an assist by Lahm in the 48th minute. Stuttgart lost further ground as Bayern scored the third in the 61st minute when Gomez sealed his brace following a neat build up by Mueller.
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With the match seemingly dead and buried Stuttgart pulled one back through Martin Harnik’s header in the 71st minute.
With ten minutes remaining Harnik scored his brace as Stuttgart reduced the arrears to 2-3.
But the late surge from Stuttgart proved to be a little too late as Bayern held on to their one goal advantage.
Bayern Munich is now the seventh team in Europe to complete the triple.
“This is an emotional moment. The team gave me a fantastic present. The treble is unique and a novelty in the Bundesliga. The decisive factor was the team spirit,” Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said after the match.