Two clubs chasing DFB Pokal glory will do battle today in a cup final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. The clash scheduled for 12 p.m. ET will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin and can be live streamed here free.
Despite winning the Bundesliga at a record pace and reaching the UEFA Champions League semifinal, Bayern Munich's season is on the line. For manager Pep Guardiola, a loss in the DFB Pokal final would turn a season of dreams into a failure (h/t to Sky Sports). "If we lose, then it ruins our season. Every trophy is pretty," said Guardiola.
When asked about the status of forward Mario Mandzukic, the Catalan made it abundantly clear he would not be a part of the club moving forward. "He would be able to play, but he is not with us and that's my decision," he added.
Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, however, doesn't believe that gives his side an advantage. "I've never had the feeling that we could seek an advantage from the fact that Bayern have a player out," he said.
"Just think of what quality they've got in their attack anyway with [Thomas] Muller, [Mario] Gotze and [Arjen] Robben."
Will Bayern Munich and their strong attacking talent avoid a failure with a victory this afternoon? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels has been a stalwart defender this season and will be the last line of defense for a club looking to stymie a potent Munich attack. The 25-year-old averages 2.5 interceptions and 5.8 clearances per match this season.
Borussia Dortmund's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller; Schmeizer, Friedrich, Hummels, Piszczek; Jojic, Sahin; Groskreutz, Reus, Mkhitaryan; Aubameyang
Bayern Munich's Projected Lineup (4-1-4-1): Neuer; Alaba, Dante, Martinez, Rafinha; Lahm; Ribery, Kroos, Muller, Robben; Gotze
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