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10-man RB Leipzig beat Freiburg on penalties to lift DFB-Pokal

RB Leipzig have won their first-ever title following a dramatic shootout win over Freiburg.
RB Leipzig lift their first-ever title.
RB Leipzig lift their first-ever title.

RB Leipzig have made history after lifting the DFB-Pokal title for the first time following a penalty shootout win over Freiburg on Saturday night.

After a third time of trying, the Christopher Nkunku-inspired Leipzig have finally won the DFB-Pokal courtesy of a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout. 

A stunning goal from Maximillian Eggestein opened the scoring for Freiburg in the opening half of the game.

Despite protests from Leipzig players after the ball hit the hand of Rolland Sallai in the build-up to the goal.

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However, after a VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand to give Freiburg a narrow lead at the break.

Things went from bad to worse for the Red Bull side after they were reduced to 10 men 12 minutes into the second half as Marcel Halstenberg was given his marching orders.

Leipzig looked done and dusted at this point but found a way back into the game 15 minutes from time.

Die Rotten found the equaliser through that man, Christopher Nkunku who connected to a looping header from Willi Orban which was destined to level the score and take the game into extra time.

After extra time, there was nothing to separate both teams as the game would be decided on penalties. 

Freiburg missed two of their spot-kicks through Christian Gunter and Ermedin Demirovic while Leipzig converted four of their five kicks to seal the win.

Nkunku inspires first-ever title for Leipzig

When it mattered most, the Frenchman came to the rescue of his club, RB Leipzig, once again.

For over 70 minutes, Freiburg looked to have kept the in-form forward and his club at bay, looking poised to be crowned as the latest DFB-POKAL champions.

However, as have become customary this season, Bundesliga player of the season, Nkunku rose to the occasion to score the decisive equaliser with 15 minutes left to play.

The 24-year-old also converted his spot-kick during the shootout as Leipzig went on to claim their first professional title thanks to a 4-2 win over Freiburg.

Nkunku finishes the season with 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season for Leipzig.

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