From correspondents in Berlin, Germany, 03:37 PM IST

German football powerhouse Werder Bremen made up for a disappointing league and defeat in the UEFA Cup final by claiming the German Cup, beating Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 here.

Midfielder Mesut Oezil scored the only goal in the 58th minute Saturday as Weder lifted the trophy for the sixth time and ensure them a place in next season's inaugural Europa League.

Ten days after losing to Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Cup and a week on from the 5-1 thumping that earned Wolfsburg the league title, Thomas Schaaf's men were on a song. They were driven by playmaker Diego in his final competitive appearance for the club before moving to Juventus.

In the 54th minute, Werder keeper Tim Wiese had to deal with a ferocious long-range effort from Tranquillo Barnetta.

Werder's response was not long in coming. Diego freed up Oezil and the 20-year-old midfielder rifled home from a tight angle.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)