FC Bayern delivered a commanding performance in the DFB-Pokal final, ensuring no gifts were given to departing legend Alex Popp. The match reflected the current dominance of the Bavarian club.
Captain Glodis Viggosdottir lifted the coveted trophy amidst a shower of silver confetti, with the newly crowned double winners of Bayern Munich celebrating joyfully arm-in-arm behind her. As the old and new cup queens rejoiced in their third triumph (after 2012 and 2025) at the Cologne Stadium following a 4-0 victory against VfL Wolfsburg, a disappointed Alexandra Popp wiped away tears on the sidelines.
Her highly anticipated personal fairytale ending did not materialize. Instead, Popp, whose 14-year era at VfL concludes with her summer transfer to Borussia Dortmund, had to concede her favorite title once again to Munich after a DFB-Pokal final that was at times a tough contest.
«When two such teams meet, it’s clear it won’t be decided in the first half,» said Giulia Gwinn to ZDF. Ultimately, however, it turned out to be «an all-around great afternoon» for Bayern: «Mega atmosphere, it’s just incredibly fun with the team.»
On the other side, disappointment prevailed. «It naturally hurts,» stated VfL defender Sophia Kleinherne: «We would have loved to bring something home.» But in the end, Popp and her teammates had to settle for the silver medal. When the former DFB captain stepped onto the stage, a roaring applause erupted.
Alex Popp: First Cup Final Defeat in 14 Appearances
Prior to this, Georgia Stanway (45+2′, penalty after VAR review), Pernille Harder (59′), Momoko Tanikawa (77′), and Arianna Caruso (84′) shattered Popp’s title dream, scoring for Munich in front of a record crowd of 46,064 fans. In her 14th final, the cup specialist, who captained Wolfsburg onto the field after recovering from a calf injury, experienced a defeat for the first time.
Both teams initially started cautiously, with inaccuracies creeping in on both sides, observed by national coach Christian Wück. The first good chance of the match ultimately belonged to Bayern: Pernille Harder found space at the far post from a Klara Bühl cross in the penalty area but couldn’t direct the ball precisely enough on goal (20′).
FC Bayern and Wolfsburg Neutralize Each Other
A brief moment of concern for Wolfsburg occurred shortly after when goalkeeper Stina Johannes required treatment on the pitch. The national keeper had clutched her thigh, but after a short interruption, the 26-year-old was able to continue.
In a somewhat disjointed match, Popp, playing in her preferred role as a center forward, had few opportunities. However, even the Munich team, who increasingly dominated possession, initially lacked the necessary cutting edge and creativity. Bernadette Amani’s shot posed no problem for VfL keeper Johannes (30′). On the other side, Ena Mahmutovic saved the first notable Wolfsburg attempt by Lena Lattwein (35′).
Bayern Takes the Lead from the Spot — Pernille Harder Seals Decisive Blow
Defensively, VfL was compact, posing significant problems for the Bayern offense. Shortly before halftime, the Munich team finally took the lead: Lineth Beerensteyn fouled Momoko Tanikawa’s foot in the penalty area. After reviewing the video evidence, referee Franziska Wildfeuer awarded a penalty. Stanway converted coolly, and Sarai Linder later prevented Harder’s second goal on the line.
At the start of the second half, the Danish striker improved her record, sneaking behind national player Janina Minge and heading in from close range.
Wolfsburg continued to try and fight back, but due to an emergency medical situation in the Bayern block, they initially lacked vocal support from the stands. However, accompanied by the returning cheers in the final phase, Tanikawa extended Bayern’s lead, and Caruso sealed the scoreline with a direct free-kick.