The German Cup final was unique than and is still unique now: for the first and so far the only time the finalists represented the same city. The only derby in the whole history of the tournament, very likely to remain the sole derby played forever. 1. FC Koln vs Fortuna Koln. Yet, compared to almost any other country, it was not derby… mighty 1. FC Koln was facing a club which never even hoped to reach the top German division. World-famous stars vs nobodies, not really a challenge, no mystery. But derby is a derby and pride, ambition, hope for success against the odds are never to be dismissed: Fortuna proved tough opponent. Unfortunately, no miracle happened – 1. FC Koln scored the single goal in the final and won.
Fortuna – unlikely finalist and doing its best, more than its best, to beat the odds. No blame after the lost final – the boys tried hard against overwhelming foe. One cannot just wave away small clubs – this was the best achievement ever. Too bad no sensation happened.
1. FC Koln did not save the season, but confirmed its leading position at the time. They won their 4th Cup and at this moment nobody could imagine that this was their last victory. How could such dark thought come to mind looking at the squad and who was coaching it? But it was the swan song of 1. FC Koln…
This West German season will stay as a benchmark, though – incredible and so rare race for the title, the first and only derby played at the Cup final, and last victory for both champion and Cup winner.