Bayern homing in on historic treble

Bundesliga champions FC Bayern München completed part two of a potentially historic treble by defeating holders Werder Bremen 4-0 in the German Cup final.

A 35th-minute penalty from Arjen Robben was added to after the break by Ivica Olić, Franck Ribéry and Bastian Schweinsteiger at a sold-out Olympiastadion in Berlin. Next up for Louis van Gaal and his team is the UEFA Champions League final against FC Internazionale Milano in Madrid next Saturday.

Claudio Pizarro fashioned a decent opportunity for Bremen before a Robben cross was missed by both Olić and Thomas Müller. The latter's cut-back then teed up the Dutch winger, who could not find the target, but he did not have to wait much longer to give Bayern the lead, converting from the spot after Per Mertesacker's handball.

While the first half had been a closely contested affair, the second was all Bayern. Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf had introduced Hugo Almeida in an attempt to increase his side's potency, yet his plan was soon in disarray as Olić struck from close range after Robben's corner led to a scramble in the penalty area.

Ribéry made it three on 63 minutes when Mark van Bommel set him one on one with Tim Wiese. Torsten Frings' dismissal for a second booking 13 minutes from time added to Bremen's frustration and to complete their misery Schweinsteiger had the final say soon after, bringing down Philipp Lahm's cross and slotting the ball into the corner.

"I am sorry to say so, but it is what I had expected," said Van Gaal. "This season we have had many games where it was all or nothing. Today was another of those matches and that's why my players are used to this. And I believe because of that we can pull off a surprise next week against my friend [and Inter coach] José Mourinho."