RB Leipzig are on the cusps of winning a second consecutive DFB Pokal. Standing in Leipzig’s way are Eintracht Frankfurt, the reigning Europa League winners, and a team set on disrupting Die Roten Bullen’s attempts at a second straight domestic cup.
Last season’s cup win marked the first major trophy won by RB Leipzig. Coach Marco Rose took over in the middle of the campaign and turned Leipzig’s fortunes around. The team finished third in the Bundesliga, once again qualifying for the Champions League.
Nur noch 2⃣ Tage ⏳#DFBPokalFinale #WirSindLeipzig 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/QXSsVer8LK— RB Leipzig (@RBLeipzig) June 1, 2023
Nur noch 2⃣ Tage ⏳#DFBPokalFinale #WirSindLeipzig 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/QXSsVer8LK
Eintracht Frankfurt are guaranteed at least a place in the Conference League next season after ending the campaign in seventh. A win over RB Leipzig on Saturday would send the Eagles into the Europa League as DFB Pokal winners.
Leipzig ended the domestic campaign in better form than Frankfurt. Die Roten Bullen won their last six matches in all competitions, outscoring opponents 16-5.
Eintracht Frankfurt went unbeaten in their final three matches of the campaign. The Eagles’ form dipped following their elimination from the Champions League in March.
The team’s hot and cold form over the final months of the campaign saw the club agree to part ways with head coach Oliver Glasner.
Glasner delivered the Europa League trophy last season and Champions League knockout football this term. However, he will step down from Frankfurt following Saturday’s cup final. Glasner is heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
Eintracht Frankfurt last won the DFB Pokal in 2017-18. The club defeated Bayern Munich on a magical night by a score of 3-1. It was the club’s first cup win in 30 years. Eintracht Frankfurt had played in the club the season before, losing to Borussia Dortmund.
The teams split their two matches during the Bundesliga season. Frankfurt won 4-0 at home in September, but Leipzig returned the favour in February, 2-1.
The clubs first met in 2016-17. Since then, Leipzig have posted a record of 4W-7D-4L against Eintracht Frankfurt. Die Roten go into the cup final in better form, while Eintracht have an outgoing coach.
Glasner will be without key midfielder Sebastian Rode following an ankle injury. Forward Lucas Alario will also miss the game due to a knee injury. Defender Hrvoje Smolcic is out with a meniscus problem.
Rose has no new injury worries ahead of the cup final. He can select from a fully fit squad for the final. Having a fully fit team and players that experienced the cup win last season should help Leipzig lift the DFB Pokal once more.
RB Leipzig should continue their strong form with a 3-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.