2017 DFB-Pokal Final vs Frankfurt

Lore & Background

This match stands as a poignant bookend to Thomas Tuchel’s transformative era at Signal Iduna Park. Having revitalized the team following the 2015-16 struggles, the final represented a culmination of tactical discipline and defensive solidity. While the Bundesliga crown remained elusive against Bayern Munich, securing the Pokal ensured another silverware cabinet addition. For Eintracht Frankfurt, reaching the final was a triumph in itself, marking their return to the summit of German football after decades away from major finals. Their spirited performance kept Dortmund honest throughout ninety minutes, highlighting the competitive depth of the Bundesliga. The encounter remains a testament to how quickly fortunes can shift on the biggest stage. The victory solidified Dortmund’s legacy as cup kings during this period, bridging the gap between the Klopp era and the subsequent rebuilds. It was a match defined by individual brilliance in Aubameyang and collective heart, ensuring the black and yellow flag flew high over Berlin one last time under Tuchel.

In Their Own Story

The rain had stopped, leaving the Berlin turf slick under the floodlights. Aubameyang wiped sweat from his brow, hearing the roar of the crowd rise like a tide. He knew Tuchel was watching from the sideline, not just as a coach, but as a departing friend. The ball rolled to him in the box. One touch, two touches. The net rippled.

Reader's Guide

The atmosphere inside Berlin's Olympiastadion was electric as Thomas Tuchel prepared for his final match as Borussia Dortmund manager. The team entered knowing their Bundesliga title hopes had faded against Bayern Munich, making this cup their sole remaining chance for silverware that season. Early dominance in the second half saw Paco Alcácer convert a penalty spot kick to give BVB a slender one-goal lead. Eintracht Frankfurt, fueled by a remarkable resurgence under Adi Hütter, refused to yield despite the deficit. In the dying moments of regular time, Ante Rebić struck a dramatic equalizer, forcing the match into extra time and sending shockwaves through the Dortmund faithful. The tension was palpable as both sides searched for a breakthrough in the added minutes. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang became the hero when he found space late in extra time to fire home the winner with composure. The final whistle confirmed Dortmund’s fifth DFB-Pokal, capping Tuchel's tenure with glory before his departure to Chelsea. Fans celebrated not just the trophy, but the resilience shown against a spirited Frankfurt side that had pushed them to the limit.

Did You Know?

• This was Thomas Tuchel’s final competitive match as Borussia Dortmund manager before joining Chelsea.
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the winning goal in the 116th minute of play.
• The victory marked Borussia Dortmund's fifth DFB-Pokal title in their history.
• Paco Alcácer opened the scoring from the penalty spot during regular time.