BO4 (1 - 0) VFB 40th minute
Che noticed after the goal that the playmakers tend to make the passes that either penetrate through defense or the last pass before the goal attempt. But his realization is too late because Bayer have already scored the goal.
Bayer have gone back to their original formation; the 4-2-3-1 and have gained momentum with the ball in their possession, they pass the ball around in Stuttgart's half. They've had the ball since they've scored their goal.
The ball is passed to their midfielders who have decided to be deep closer towards the defenders, they hold on the ball while passing it with the defenders.
They finally progress the ball towards the right winger, who is being supported by the attacking midfielder. Nothing happens on that wing and they decide to rotate it towards the left wing.
And the left winger is being supported by the left back, and he passes to the left back. The left looks into the box but doesn't cross it.
He gives it back to the winger, who also passes the ball towards the midfielder. The midfielder takes a few touches progressing the ball.
Until he passes towards the attacking midfielder who is coming from the right wing and is close to the edge of the box.
The attacking midfielder lobs a pass first time with his left foot, towards the left winger who ran into space behind and is wide open in the back post, while the two center backs occupied the striker.
The ball curls towards the left winger, with time and space the winger heads the ball. But instead of heading it towards the goal he gets it his striker who's in between both center backs.
The striker reacts quicker than the two defender and easily heads the ball in the top left corner, it was impossible for the goalkeeper to save it.
The Bayer players run towards the corner flag and start dancing again. Celebrating along with the bench.
The Stuttgart coach shakes his head in disappointment. Everyone in the Stuttgart team stares at the defense.
BO4 (2 - 0) VFB 44th minute
Scorer: Berkan Ermec I assist: Ivan Massek
After the second goal, Stuttgart wasn't posing any threats towards Bayer's defense. It's also due to their incredible capabilities of passing the ball around in the midfield.
And also misplaced passes, lack of physicality in dispossessed ball and lack of judgement. Stuttgart's attack barely had the ball until the end of the first half.
The first half ends, and the players go towards their locker room. Stuttgart walks in their locker room, and everyone takes a seat.
''I'm going to sugarcoat this.... I'm very disappointed in you guys out there. You play well for 30 minutes and suddenly drop your guard once. Have you forgotten that you're playing in a final?
Defenders... those two goals were because of your lack of focus.'' He sighs. ''I expect way more from you guys out there in the second half. Now go out there and get us back into this game!''
The assistant steps foward after the coach's speech.
''Also guys I don't know if you've notice this, but they only have six players who deliver their key passes. The midfielder and their wingers... So, the defenders and the midfield should watch out for them when those five have the ball.''
On the other end of the locker room the players are calmly refreshing and getting themselves calm. Some of them are focused, and look towards the coach.
''Very happy with you guys out there. Let's go out in the second half and finish the game off.''
''Yeeahhh!!!'' The captain starts a chant amongst the team. And they get themselves fired up.
After fifteen minutes of half time both teams start coming out, and the second half starts. Stuttgart start enegratically passing the ball around with the intention of attacking.
Stuttgart hold possession for five minutes and they pass the ball in Bayer's half down the right wing, Speidel gets the ball towards the midfield. The central midfielder passes a lofted ball towards Leon on the left wing again.
The right back defensively aware approaches Leon slowly, Leon stands in the same spot doing slow step overs with both feet.
Bayer's right winger also approaches Leon for defensive support and double team him. But the winger approaches with the intention to take the ball in full speed on his right.
Leon flicks the ball over the winger's head and goes around him while the winger runs past him, after the flick the defender followed the ball with Leon.
Leon reacts quickly and while the balls bouncing, he flicks it again over the defender's head this time.
He runs into the space that towards the penalty box, he gets the ball with the center back approaching him, he quick flamboyant step overs while approaching the center back.
He decides to go left but the center back reads him and tackles the ball off him and passes the ball towards the midfield.
The midfielder passes the ball to Halil who gives a bullet pass towards the left winger and now on the counter runs down the wing.
He looks into the box and the striker is occupied by both center backs. He slows down with the right back on him.
He puts the ball on his right foot and crosses the ball towards the box, but the cross curls straight to the keeper.
The keeper doesn't waste any time, and he delivers the ball out to the left back who has space. The left back passes to the central midfielder.
And he passes to the attacking midfielder who flicks the ball on the back heel towards Che and Che also passes and curling ball straight to Speidel on the right wing.
The ball takes two bounces before landing on Speidel's feet who's running with the left back behind him.
He looks towards the middle and sees the attacking midfielder running in between both center backs.
He sends a through ball through the ground, but the center back slides and blocks the pass. He gets up with the ball on his feet
And plays it back to the Halil in the midfield, he takes a turn and passes it to the left back and the left back passes the ball towards the attacking midfielder.
The attacking midfielders taps a pass to the left winger and the left winger sends a strong through ball towards the striker.
The ball goes between the right back and the center back, the ball drifts towards the striker and the striker with the center back on his right back.
The striker is now through with the center back behind him.