BERLIN, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Four first-half goals paved the way for Leipzig's second consecutive German Cup final appearance after cruising to a 5-1 victory over Freiburg in the semifinal on Tuesday.
Both sides displayed a lively opening period, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock with 13 minutes played when Marcel Halstenberg's cross found Dani Olmo, who headed home from close range.
Freiburg was stunned and conceded a second goal just one minute later as Olmo set up Benjamin Henrichs, who confidently struck the ball into the net.
As the match progressed, the hosts improved but were unable to breach Leipzig's well-organized defense.
Leipzig showed no mercy in front of goal, extending their lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute as Olmo exchanged passes with Dominik Szoboszlai, who beat Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken with a well-placed shot from inside the box into the far corner.
Freiburg had their best chance in the 39th minute, but Michael Gregoritsch's effort from 15 meters missed the target.
Clinical Leipzig continued to dominate, stunning Freiburg just before the break when Christopher Nkunku capitalized on Olmo's build-up play.
Leipzig suffered a setback after the restart as Josko Gvardiol was shown a red card in the 58th minute.
Freiburg took advantage of their numerical superiority, pulling one back as Gregoritsch nodded home Roland Sallai's cross into the box.
However, the hosts lacked penetration and couldn't add more goals, while relentless Leipzig restored their four-goal lead in the closing stages as Szoboszlai converted a penalty.
The Red Bulls will face either Stuttgart or Eintracht Frankfurt in the final in Berlin on June 3.
"Leipzig scored with almost every attempt on target. They had too much space and punished us. It was an extremely bitter first half for us," said Freiburg captain Christian Gunter. ■
