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Dortmund logo
DFB-Pokal | Final
May 30, 2015 at 7pm UK
 
Wolfsburg

1-3

FT(HT: 1-3)
Gustavo (22'), De Bruyne (33'), Dost (38')

Live Commentary: Borussia Dortmund 1-3 Wolfsburg - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of the DFB-Pokal final between Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund and victors Wolfsburg.
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Jurgen Klopp's final game with Borussia Dortmund ended in disappointment as Wolfsburg claimed victory in the DFB-Pokal final with a 3-1 win in Berlin.

It was the perfect start for Dortmund as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang broke the deadlock early on with a fine volley.

However, Wolfsburg responded with goals from Luis Gustavo, Kevin de Bruyne and Bas Dost before the break, and they were comfortable in the second half on their way to securing the triumph.

Read Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below to find out how the action unfolded.


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Good evening everyone! The German football season comes to an end tonight as Borussia Dortmund meet Wolfsburg in the DFB-Pokal final. Can Jurgen Klopp end his time at Dortmund with another trophy? Or will Wolfsburg finish a fine campaign with victory in Berlin?

In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich have been dominant. That much is clear. However, there have been so many other intriguing storylines to follow in Germany this season. Wolfsburg have been fantastic, and the league runners-up might fancy their chances of challenging next season if they keep the squad together. In contrast, the Dortmund fans have been left frustrated and they only pulled away from the relegation zone in the second half of the campaign. After climbing up to seventh, the challenge is now to finish with a trophy.

Of course, only one man has been stealing the headlines in the build up to this match. Mr Klopp will wave goodbye to Dortmund later this evening and he'll be desperate to finish a superb seven-year spell on a positive note. This is how Signal Iduna Park paid tribute last week.

Dortmund's fans celebrate Dortmund's head coach Juergen Klopp prior to German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Werder Bremen at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, western Germany on May 23, 2015© Getty Images


It shouldn't come as a surprise that Klopp is the man of the moment, but Wolfsburg will be keen to remind everyone that they pushed Bayern Munich harder than anyone else, and they did it playing some excellent football. The perfect way to end the season will be with a trophy. Hecking has built an impressive side, with Kevin De Bruyne undoubtedly the star. In truth, they probably start the match as slight favourites.


Klopp, arguably one of the most emotional managers in European football, has made it clear that his only focus is on the match tonight.

"This final is not about me, it's about the team," he told reporters. "We still have the opportunity to achieve something and we want to use that.

"I'm not in a nostalgic mood. We don't have to talk about anything else, everything is focused on the game."


DORTMUND: Langerak, Durm, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer, Kehl, Gündogan, Mkhitaryan, Kagawa, Reus, Aubameyang

WOLFSBURG: Benaglio, Vieirinha, Klose, Naldo, Rodriguez, Luiz Gustavo, Arnold, Perisic, De Bruyne, Caligiuri, Dost


It's pretty much as expected from Klopp as Mitchell Langerak earns the right to start in goal ahead of Roman Weidenfeller, who has battled a back injury in the latter stages of the season. Sebastian Kehl starts his final game for the club alongside Ilkay Gundogan in midfield. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shinji Kagawa and Marco Reus will provide support for lone striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

There's no room in the Wolfsburg side for Andre Schurrle, who starts the evening on the bench. Bas Dost leads the attack, with Ivan Perisic, Daniel Caligiuri and De Bruyne slotting in behind. Naldo shakes off any fitness concerns to start in defence.


KEY BATTLE: Marco Reus has the licence to roam and create for his teammates all over the pitch, and it's his intelligence which makes the difference in the final third for Dortmund. Luis Gustavo could be crucial if Wolfsburg are to stop the attacking midfielder. Gustavo must be wary of Reus cutting in from the wing and going beyond Aubameyang.

PREDICTION: At a guess, I reckon three of my predictions have been right this season out of around 100 games, so please don't look to me for a tip. However, I just think it's going to be a romantic evening. I'm backing Dortmund to lift the trophy. An entertaining 2-1 win.

These two sides met just two weeks ago. Naldo was the hero on that day as he scored the winner to give Wolfsburg a 2-1 victory in the Bundesliga. Wolfsburg have won two of the last five games against Dortmund.

It's been far from easy for Dortmund on the way to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. After beating lower league opposition in each of their first three tests, Klopp's side edged out Hoffenheim in extra time to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win in the last eight. The drama continued in the semi-finals as Dortmund claimed a penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich, who missed all four of their penalties.

Wolfsburg have only met Bundesliga opposition once in the DFB-Pokal this season, with that coming in a 1-0 triumph over Freiburg in the quarter-finals. Arminia Bielefeld were unable to produce a shock in the last four as Hecking's side eased to a 4-0 victory.

Check out this fan video. It's going to be an incredible evening in Berlin!


Where will Jurgen Klopp go? He'll be loved wherever he ends up, whether that's Liverpool, Napoli or even West Ham if you believe some reports. It's been a frustrating year, but he has delivered so much success at Dortmund and he will be missed. Thomas Tuchel has big shoes to fill.


Here we go then. The two sides are out at the Olympic Stadium and the noise is fantastic already. We're just a coin toss away from the action getting started.

KICKOFF: Dortmund get the game underway as the smoke clears following some pre-match fireworks.

It's been a pretty quiet start to the match, but Gustavo has made it obvious he's up for the fight by flying into Gundogan early on. Not much going on in attacking areas.

From the first few minutes it's clear that Dortmund will look to stretch the game with the pace of Aubameyang, who has already invited a couple of long balls. Wolfsburg looking slightly better in possession.

GOAL! DORTMUND 1-0 WOLFSBURG (AUBAMEYANG)

What a start for Dortmund! Klopp must be delighted on the touchline as he watches his side take an early lead. It's a clever move from Dortmund as Durm finds Kagawa, whose clever clipped pass is met by Aubameyang and he stays onside to volley home.

SAVE! Wolfsburg almost hit back immediately. Dost holds the ball up well before finding Perisic, whose low strike is brilliantly stopped by Langerak.

Dortmund have targeted Wolfsburg with a couple of high balls into the box, but Hecking's side have recovered to keep Aubameyang from connecting. Poor defending allowed the Gabon forward to find space for the goal. They can't afford to make a similar mistake.

Clever movement from Reus as he drifts in behind the Wolfsburg defence to collect the ball, but his pull back fails to find a teammate.

It's difficult for any player to catch their breath at the moment. The game is being played so quickly and Wolfsburg appear desperate to hit back sooner rather than later. Playing on the break could suit Dortmund, who are trying to use the width of this huge pitch.

The early signs are not good for De Bruyne. Dortmund have hurried the Belgian in possession, with both Kehl and Gundogan working very hard to prevent him from collecting the ball in deeper positions.

Good goalkeeping from Benaglio to come off his line to collect when Schmelzer delivers an inviting cross into the box. The open start has been forgotten. It's much tighter in midfield now.

CHANCE! Dortmund come close to making it 2-0 with a good move on the counter. Kagawa finds the space to sprint away on the right before finding Reus, who can only shoot over.

Klopp is determined to make the most of these final 90 minutes as a Dortmund boss on the touchline. He's shouting orders at every player on the pitch. Hecking looks slightly concerned.

GOAL! DORTMUND 1-1 WOLFSBURG (GUSTAVO)

I mentioned Gustavo would be a key man, but I didn't think it would be in front of goal. Wolfsburg are back level and it's the midfielder who finds the equaliser as he takes the second attempt to beat Langerak, who had parried Naldo's free kick.

It's been an excellent final so far. Mkhitaryan attempts to get through at the other end but Naldo makes a fine tackle to deny the attacking midfielder.

The noise is incredible this evening, and the players are giving them something to cheer. Dortmund continue to look dangerous when they break at pace, but Wolfsburg are improving as the game progresses.

Dortmund are furious when the assistant referee raises his flag to deny Reus, who had actually timed his run to perfection to sprint through on goal.

GOAL! DORTMUND 1-2 WOLFSBURG (DE BRUYNE)

An incredible final continues as Wolfsburg take the lead. De Bruyne, who could be playing his final game for the club, puts his side ahead by sending a powerful low strike in off the post from the edge of the box. It's a stunning finish.

Dortmund are enjoying a spell of possession now, and they need to calm things down before the break. Klopp's side simply have to score next. Wolfsburg have the ability to control the game if they take a 3-1 lead.

GOAL! DORTMUND 1-3 WOLFSBURG (DOST)

Is Klopp's final game turning into a nightmare? Wolfsburg extend their lead before the break through Dost, who peels away into space to head home from an inch-perfect Perisic cross. It's poor marking but Wolfsburg won't mind. They are in complete control.

Dortmund were pressing early in the match and winning the ball further up the pitch, but they are now losing the battle in midfield and it's allowing the likes of De Bruyne and Caligiuri to pull the strings. What a response from Wolfsburg.

Hummels wastes a half chance as he rises highest in the box before heading just wide from a free kick.

Moments after sending a shot over the crossbar, Aubameyang is appealing for a penalty when he appears to be chopped down by Rodriguez. There was contact, but the forward probably went down to easily.

HALF TIME: DORTMUND 1-3 WOLFSBURG

It's been a thrilling 45 minutes of football at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Dortmund started brightly and took the lead, but Wolfsburg have responded brilliantly to reach the interval in control. Can Dortmund produce a response? The next goal could decide the game.

Wolfsburg are in no mood to let Klopp enjoy the perfect farewell. If Dortmund want to make a change in attack they could turn to Ciro Immobile, whose direct play could cause more problems for the Wolfsburg defence. It's a tricky problem for Klopp, who might be reluctant to move Aubameyang out wide.


It would be safe to guess that Dortmund will make a fast start to the second half. They have to ask questions immediately after the restart. If they score the next goal the nerves will be clear for Wolfsburg.

We're back underway. Klopp's final 45 minutes with Dortmund - will they end in success? It's been a brilliant night for Wolfsburg so far.

De Bruyne appeared to be struggling with a knock in the closing stages of the first half, but he looks more comfortable now. Wolfsburg will want to get as much as possible out of the Belgian.

SAVE! Wolfsburg come close to killing the game off as Caligiuri capitalises on the room gifted to him to unleash an effort which Langerak pushes to safety.

CHANCE! What an opportunity for Dortmund. Reus does well to cut the ball back for Kagawa, but the Japanese midfielder's effort drifts just past the post. Benaglio breathes a huge sigh of relief.

Much like the first half it's been a frantic start. Dortmund have to send as many players forward as possible, but there is space opening up at the other end of the pitch. I'd be shocked if this game finished 3-1.

Reus is starting to see a bit more of the ball now as he cuts into some space before hitting an effort over the crossbar. Wolfsburg must do a better job of closing him down.

Great chance for Wolfsburg. De Bruyne delivers the perfect pass into Dost, who dummies the shot in an attempt to play in Caligiuri, but his teammate is just as surprised as everyone else. It's a let off for Dortmund.

YELLOW CARD! Mkhitaryan brings down Perisic to prevent a Wolfsburg break and the Armenian picks up a booking.

Rodriguez is forced to wait to take the free kick, but when he does the ball drifts just wide of the target from 30 yards. Dortmund need to reduce the deficit soon.

Superb defending on show from Durm as he comes across to make a vital clearance to deny Wolfsburg a fourth with Dost waiting in space.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Dortmund are running out of time and Klopp decides to make changes. Kehl's final match with the club comes to an end. The midfielder and Durm are replaced by Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski.

SHOT! Mkhitaryan has been kept on the fringes of the game for much of the night and he is left frustrated once again when Benaglio collects his curling effort.

Wolfsburg have been excellent in the second half. They've shut down the Dortmund response and it's been very difficult for Klopp's side. Perisic attempts the spectacular as he fires wide from 25 yards.

SUBSTITUTION: Perisic has worked very hard at both ends of the pitch after being picked ahead of Schurrle tonight. He comes off to be replaced by Josuha Guilavogui.

Klopp is now surely going to be finishing his seven-year spell at Dortmund with disappointment. It was the perfect start, but they've been second best for long spells of the evening. You have to be impressed by Wolfsburg's response.

SUBSTITUTION: Reus has drifted out of the game in the closing stages and he comes off to be replaced by Immobile.

SUBSTITUTION: The changes keep coming as Schurrle replaces Arnold.

SAVE! Kagawa has probably been Dortmund's best performer this evening, and he comes close to setting up a dramatic finish with a shot which Benaglio does very well to get a hand to before it reaches the far corner.

YELLOW CARD! Schmelzer is the latest player to pick up a yellow card for a late tackle on Schurrle.

SUBSTITUTION: Caliguri comes off to applause from the Wolfsburg fans as Christian Trasch heads on.

Aubameyang sends a free kick into a dangerous are but Benaglio manages to punch the ball over the crossbar.

Immobile has barely touched the ball since coming on and his speculative strike is hit in frustration as the ball drifts wide of the post.

The fourth official confirms there will be four minutes added on.

Mkhitaryan does well to create space on the edge of the box before hitting a low strike past the post.

YELLOW CARD! Vieirinha, who has been excellent this evening, picks up a yellow card with around a minute remaining.

FULL TIME: DORTMUND 1-3 WOLFSBURG

Klopp's final match with Dortmund ends in disappointment, but he leaves the club as a hero. All of the focus should be on Wolfsburg, who responded to an early setback to deservedly clinch the trophy tonight. It was a fantastic first half and Hecking's side did enough to frustrate Dortmund after the break.

That's all from me tonight. I hope you've enjoyed our coverage. Goodnight!

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Dortmund's fans celebrate Dortmund's head coach Juergen Klopp prior to German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Werder Bremen at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, western Germany on May 23, 2015
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