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Bayern top Leverkusen 4-2 to win 20th German Cup

Berlin, Jul 4 (efe-epa).- Robert Lewandowski scored twice here Saturday to lead Bayern Munich 4-2 over Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup final.

A week after celebrating their record eighth straight Bundesliga title at the end of a season interrupted for three months by the Covid-19 pandemic, Bayern completed the domestic double by winning the cup for the 20th time.

The next club on the list of German Cup champions, Werder Bremen, have hoisted the trophy six times.

Bayern dominated from the opening whistle and would have taken the lead in the 9th minute if Joshua Kimmich hadn’t fired over the cross-bar.

Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky dealt easily with an effort by Kingsley Coman a minute later, but conceded in the 16th minute to David Alaba on a direct free kick.

Serge Gnabry made it 2-0 for the holders in the 24th minute with an assist from Kimmich.

The closest Leverkusen came to posing a threat in the first half was a charge down the right side by Nadiem Amiri cut short when the linesman raised the offside flag.

Coach Peter Bosz made a double-change to start the second half and Leverkusen were starting to find their footing on the attack when they conceded a third goal in the 59th minute.

Seeking to relieve the pressure from Leverkusen, Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer lofted the ball deep and Lewandowski controlled it before trying his luck from 30 yards out and watching Hradecky fumble the ball into his own net.

The 3-0 deficit was not enough to make Leverkusen throw in the towel. Sven Bender clawed back a goal in the 64th minute, heading-in off a corner and the contest remained within reach, at least theoretically, until Lewandowski scored Bayern’s fourth goal in the 77th minute.

The Polish striker pushed his season total with Bayern to 51 goals in 44 matches in all competitions and he will have an opportunity to add to that when Champions League play resumes next month.

Leverkusen’s second goal came four minutes into stoppage time on Kai Havertz’s shot from the penalty spot.

With the domestic double secured, Bayern will set their sights on the Champions League, where they lead Chelsea 3-0 midway through their round-of-16 tie. EFE rz/dr

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