BERLIN: Bayern Munich completed the treble by beating VfB Stuttgart 3-2 in a dramatic German Cup final yesterday, adding the trophy to the Champions League and Bundesliga titles they have already won this season.
They are the first German team to land the treble.
Bayern appeared to be cruising when a harsh penalty, converted by Thomas Mueller, and two Mario Gomez goals put them 3-0 ahead inside 61 minutes.
Stuttgart, hammered 6-1 by the Bavarians in the Bundesliga, then gave them a real scare as Martin Harnik pulled two goals back.
Bayern hung on to complete a memorable season and give departing coach Jupp Heynckes the best possible send-off as he ended his third stint in charge to make way for former Barcelona supremo Pep Guardiola.
They became the seventh team to win their league, cup and European Cup in the same season, following Inter Milan (2010), Barcelona (2009), Manchester United (1999), PSV Eindhoven (1988), Ajax Amsterdam (1972) and Celtic (1967).
Just as in last week’s 2-1 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund, Manuel Neuer prevented Bayern falling behind with some outstanding goalkeeping.
Stuttgart nearly took the lead when Alexandru Maxim hooked Ibrahima Traore’s swerving cross just wide of the post. Maxim then floated over a free kick and it was diverted towards his own goal by Bastian Schweinsteiger. REUTERS
