For Aachen, it turned into a disappointing week. The club failed to gain promotion to the Bundesliga on the final day of the second division season, along with joining the long list of outsiders who have fought their way in the German Cup final, only to lose.
Since 1965, 14 teams playing in leagues below the Bundesliga have reached the final, with only two winning.
The game was also the farewell for Bremen forward Ailton, who had scored six goals in cup play to go along with a league-high 28 in the Bundesliga. He will join Schalke next season.
But neither Ailton or French midfielder Johan Micoud, the team's other key player, shone during the match.
Instead, it was the day for some of Bremen's rising stars like Ernst and Baumann, both who will play for Germany in the European Championship.
"It was our day, it was great and we deserved to win," Baumann said.



