DFB Cup cracker: Leverkusen meets Cologne-an evening full of excitement!

The competition, whose initial application took place in 1935, was organized by the German Football Association (DFB). It is designed as a knockout system and includes numerous teams from different leagues. A total of 64 teams are currently taking part in the 2024/25 season, including 18 from the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga as well as various association cup winners. The trophy has a long history in which Bayer 04 Leverkusen is now looking for its third title.

A look at the history of the DFB Cup

The DFB Cup, formerly also known as a Tschammer Cup, was launched in 1935. The first trophy was held on January 6, 1935, in which over 4000 teams took part. The competition was originally based on the concept of a challenge cup that went to the club that won it three times in a row or four times.

The end games have been held in the Berlin Olympic Stadium since 1985, and the first winners of these prestigious trophy were the teams FC Schalke 04 and 1. FC Nürnberg, which met in the first final of 1935.

Bayer Leverkusen on title course

Last season, 2023/24, Bayer 04 Leverkusen secured the title and defeated 1. FC Kaiserslautern. This was the second title in the club's history, and the club now wants to expand its success. The DFB Cup is a great opportunity for many clubs to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

The history of the tournament is peppered with remarkable records. FC Bayern Munich remains the record winner with 20 titles, while Gerd Müller is the record scorer, with impressive 78 goals. As part of the DFB Cup, it becomes clear how large teams are always looking for the opportunity to immortalize themselves with the cup victory.

But the trophy is not only important for the big ones in football; It also offers smaller clubs opportunities to survive the larger ones. The 1. FC Saarbrücken was the first fourth division team to reach the semi -finals in 2020, which underlines the format of the competition. These constellations make the DFB Cup so exciting and unpredictable.

While the teams are preparing for the upcoming duel, it remains to be seen which team can write to the next chapter of this traditional cup history. The coming hours and minutes promise great emotions and exciting football action. Who will prevail in the duel between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and the 1st FC Köln?