2017 DFB-Pokal Final
Resilience rewarded as BVB claims the cup after a dramatic penalty shootout in Berlin.
The 2017 DFB-Pokal Final stands as a defining moment in Borussia Dortmund's modern history, marking their fifth triumph in Germany's premier cup competition. Played at the Olympiastadium in Berlin on May 27, 2017, this match pitted BVB against Eintracht Frankfurt in a high-stakes encounter that would ultimately be decided by a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
This victory was particularly significant as it served as a redemption arc for the club following a disappointing season in the Bundesliga and secured their qualification for the UEFA Europa League. The match is remembered not just for the trophy, but for the resilience shown by a squad that had struggled to find consistency throughout the campaign, culminating in one of their most celebrated late-season performances.
- Date
- May 27, 2017
- Venue
- Olympiastadium, Berlin
- Attendance
- 68,345
- Result
- 2-2 (AET), Dortmund wins on penalties (3-1)
- Competition
- DFB-Pokal Final
- Opponent
- Eintracht Frankfurt
Lore & Background
The road to the 2017 final was paved with uncertainty for Borussia Dortmund. Under head coach Peter Bosz, the team had shown flashes of brilliance but suffered from defensive frailties and inconsistent results in the league. Entering the final against Eintracht Frankfurt, a side known for their attacking flair under Niko Kovač, BVB needed a performance that transcended their mid-table struggles.
The match itself was a tactical chess match that remained deadlocked at 0-0 through regular time and extra time. Both goalkeepers, Roman Bürki and Kevin Trapp, delivered masterclass performances to keep the scoreline level. The tension in Berlin was palpable as neither side could break the deadlock despite numerous chances, setting the stage for a penalty shootout that would determine the fate of the cup.
In the shootout, Dortmund displayed nerves of steel. While Frankfurt's first two takers found the net, BVB's players stepped up with composure. When goalkeeper Roman Bürki saved the crucial third spot-kick from Sebastian Rode, it shifted the momentum entirely. The subsequent conversions by Aubameyang and Reus sealed a historic victory, lifting the trophy for the Black and Yellow and providing a glimmer of hope for a rebuilding era.
In Their Own Story
The Berlin air crackled with electric anticipation as the final whistle blew on a tense, goalless ninety minutes at the Olympiastadium. In the penalty shootout, the stadium's roar seemed to vanish, replaced by a suffocating silence that hung heavy over the pitch. Roman Bürki stood his ground in the box, eyes locked on Sebastian Rode, who stepped up for Eintracht Frankfurt. The run-up, the strike—then the sickening thud of leather against steel as Rode's shot cannoned off the post and bounced away. A collective gasp tore through the stadium before erupting into a deafening roar for Dortmund.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang approached the spot next, his face an unreadable mask of ice while Mario Götze clapped rhythmically from the bench. The referee signaled; the run-up began; and with a thunderous strike that left no doubt, the net bulged. 2-0 in the shootout. As Shinji Kagawa calmly converted the final spot-kick to seal the deal, the Black and Yellow players collapsed into one another, tears of relief mixing with sweat under the floodlights. They had survived the ordeal, lifting the silverware that would define a season otherwise marked by struggle.
Reader's Guide
The 2017 DFB-Pokal Final was a clash of styles between two German giants, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, held at the Olympiastadium in Berlin. The match is remembered for its defensive intensity and the dramatic conclusion via penalties after a 0-0 stalemate through ninety minutes and extra time.
Dortmund, struggling with consistency under Peter Bosz, faced a determined Frankfurt side that had eliminated Bayern Munich earlier in the tournament. The game was characterized by tight defending and missed opportunities from both sides, with goalkeepers Roman Bürki and Kevin Trapp making critical saves to keep the match level. The deadlock could not be broken despite numerous attacks from Aubameyang and Reus for Dortmund, and the efforts of Frankfurt's attacking trio.
The victory is etched in fan memory because it capped a difficult season with tangible silverware. Winning on penalties required immense mental fortitude, especially after Bürki's save turned the tide. This triumph secured Europa League football for the club and provided a crucial morale boost during a transitional period, reminding supporters of the team's capacity to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Did You Know?
- This was Borussia Dortmund's fifth DFB-Pokal title in their history.
- Roman Bürki made a decisive save against Sebastian Rode in the penalty shootout, which proved pivotal for Dortmund's victory.
- The match ended 0-0 after extra time, making it one of the few recent finals decided entirely by penalties without goals in regulation or extra time.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the winning penalty for BVB in the shootout.