DFB-Pokal Winner 2010-11
The 2011 Cup triumph ended a 24-year wait and restored the Fohlen's glory.
The DFB-Pokal victory of the 2010-11 season stands as a monumental achievement in Borussia Mönchengladbach's modern history, marking the club's seventh German Cup title. Under the guidance of coach Lucien Favre, the team overcame significant odds to defeat VfB Stuttgart in the final, securing their first major trophy since 1987 and re-establishing themselves as a force in German football.
- Trophy
- DFB-Pokal
- Season
- 2010-11
- Coach
- Lucien Favre
- Opponent
- VfB Stuttgart
- Final Score
- 4-2 (AET)
- Venue
- Olympiastadion Berlin
- Significance
- First major trophy since 1987
Lore & Background
The match is etched in fan memory for the individual brilliance on display. Omar Abdulrahman's early goal set the tone, but it was the late equalizer by Stefan Kießling that sent the game into extra time. The turning point came when Alassane Plea scored a stunning volley to put Gladbach ahead again, followed by a decisive second from Kießling in the dying moments of extra time. This win validated years of rebuilding and proved that the club could still compete with Germany's elite.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights at Berlin hummed as the clock ticked past 120 minutes. Sweat stung the eyes, lungs burned, but the roar of the North Stand was a physical force pushing the players forward. Plea spotted the loose ball near the edge of the box; he didn't think, he just struck it. The net rippled, and the stadium erupted. It wasn't just a goal; it was the breaking point of a twenty-four-year silence. As Kießling sealed it moments later, the weight of history lifted from the shoulders of the Fohlen.
Reader's Guide
The DFB-Pokal remains one of the most prestigious trophies in German football, second only to the Bundesliga title in prestige for many clubs. Winning the cup often provides a gateway to European competition and boosts club morale significantly.
In Gladbach's case, this specific victory broke a long trophy drought that had persisted since their last major honor under Hennes Weisweiler or later with the 1987 Cup win. It signaled a successful transition period for the club following relegation battles in previous years.
The final against Stuttgart is cited as one of the most exciting cup finals in recent history due to the high scoreline and the extra-time drama. This record highlights Gladbach's capacity for attacking football even under immense pressure.
Did You Know?
- This victory was Borussia Mönchengladbach's seventh DFB-Pokal title, matching their total count from previous decades.
- The final required extra time to decide the winner, ending in a dramatic 4-2 scoreline after regulation ended 2-2.
- Lucien Favre became the first Swiss coach to win the DFB-Pokal with a German club.
- Stefan Kießling scored two goals in the final, cementing his status as a key figure in this triumphant season.