Game Summary
After a strong start by Berlin, the Red Bulls gradually found their rhythm, though the Eisbären remained the more dangerous team. Liam Kirk had an open net in front of him in the sixth minute but couldn’t control the puck—a huge missed opportunity. On the other end, the visitors won the puck with their aggressive forecheck. Following one such play, DeSousa hit the crossbar (10th minute). But instead of 0-1, it was 1-0 for Berlin shortly after, as Manuel Wiederer left Antoine Bibeau with no chance on the ensuing counterattack (10th minute). The defending champions then had chances to score a second goal, while Munich looked to equalize—but the score remained unchanged until the first intermission.
In the second period, DeSousa gave Munich a perfect start with a spectacular volley (21st minute). The high-quality play continued—with high tempo and plenty of physicality. Both teams now created good offensive opportunities. One such opportunity belonged to Frederik Tiffels, who put Berlin back in the lead while shorthanded (25th). Eisbären goalie Jonas Stettmer prevented a quick response from the Red Bulls by stopping the standout DeSousa (26th). Despite further chances, the hosts held onto their narrow lead for a long time. In the final minutes of the period, however, the Eisbären stepped up their game: Andreas Eder scored on the power play to make it 3-1 (37th), before Ty Ronning completed the one-two punch with the 4-1 goal shortly after (38th).
Oliver David’s team needed a quick goal—and came very close to scoring one on the power play: DeSousa, however, hit the post for the second time that afternoon (45th minute). Even after that, the Red Bulls believed in their chances, but despite further opportunities, a second goal did not materialize. On the other end, Yannick Veilleux sealed the deal with the 5-1 goal in the penultimate minute.
