FC Schalke 04 have secured a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League thanks to a 5-0 victory against MSV Duisburg in the German Cup final in Berlin.
After a cautious but physical start by both teams, it was Schalke who created the first presentable opening following a José Manuel Jurado set piece in the 14th minute. The ball ended up with Kyriakos Papadopoulos but his header was kept out by Duisburg keeper David Yelldell.
Four minutes later, however, Yelldell was beaten by 17-year-old Julian Draxler, who fired in a powerful volley from just outside the penalty area. Matters soon got worse for Duisburg, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar doubling Schalke's lead in the 22nd minute. Jefferson Farfán, who had already set up Draxler for his goal, played a wonderful pass into the area and the Netherlands striker did the rest from ten metres.
Duisburg attempted to fight back before half-time and had plenty of chances to reduce Schalke's lead, but found themselves three behind just before the break when Benedikt Höwedes headed in a Farfán corner.
Ten minutes into the second half it was Jurado's turn to add his name to the scoresheet with a clinical strike into the bottom corner from 12 metres. Huntelaar completed the scoring 20 minutes from time to ensure the Royal Blues secured their first German Cup triumph since 2002.
"We played a very focussed match and in the end it was a clear victory," said coach Ralf Rangnick. "Obviously it's very pleasing to end the season with a trophy. We are very proud of the team." Rangnick's Duisburg counterpart, Milan Šašić, added: "We are disappointed because we failed to compete for the trophy today; a big thank you to all our fans for supporting us and showing understanding. We can be proud of what we achieved in the DFB Cup this season."
