This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
On Saturday, Bayern Munich will be chasing their second title of the season in the German Cup final, a behind-closed-doors showdown that should have been an 'absolute highlight' for Bayer Leverkusen fans.
Normally, the end-of-season showpiece final at Berlin's iconic Olympic Stadium would be a festive affair in front of a packed house of 75,000 supporters.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, only 700 spectators will be allowed to attend the match, including both teams, their backroom staff, and officials.
Germany head coach Joachim Loew is one of the few invited guests.
Former Bayern president Uli Hoeness finds it 'a pity' that no fans will be present for the Berlin spectacle, while Leverkusen sports director Rudi Voeller feels the same before his club's first cup final since 2009.
For our fans, this would have been an absolute highlight after many years,' said former Germany midfielder Voeller.
Bayern are determined to defend the cup, even if head coach Hansi Flick admits that without travelling support, their fans will be 'very, very absent'.
Having lifted the Bundesliga trophy last Saturday for the eighth straight year, Bayern are targeting the next piece of silverware in their treble bid before tackling the Champions League in August.
Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic said, 'The boys are up for it and want to win the next title, we will do everything we can to achieve that.'
While Bayern are looking to win the cup for the 20th time, Leverkusen are chasing only their second title since their lone triumph in 1993.
They finished as runners-up in both 2002 and 2009.
Former Bayern president Uli Hoeness finds it 'a pity' that no fans will be present for the Berlin spectacle, while Leverkusen sports director Rudi Voeller feels the same before his club's first cup final since 2009.
