Bayer 04 faces a curious predicament as Union Berlin triumphantly fulfills their cup obligation, delivering a rich victory.
In the opening round of the 2025/26 DFB-Pokal, three German football clubs demonstrated impressive performances, securing their places in the second round.
Bayer Leverkusen Secure a Comfortable 4-0 Win
Bayer Leverkusen faced Regionalliga side SG Sonnenhof Großaspach and emerged victorious with a score of 4-0. The match was interrupted by a lengthy storm delay in the first half, but Leverkusen managed to secure a comfortable victory.
Union Berlin's Dominant 5-0 Victory
Union Berlin faced fourth-tier FC Gütersloh at Gütersloh's home ground, which saw its largest crowd in 27 years. Union Berlin dominated the match, winning 5-0. Notable contributions included a free-kick goal by Robert Skov and a late goal by Woo-yeong Jeong.
1. FC Magdeburg's Away Victory
- FC Magdeburg travelled to 3. Liga side 1. FC Saarbrücken and won 3-1. Magdeburg took a two-goal lead just before and during half-time through Martjin Kaars and Rayan Ghrieb’s brace. Saarbrücken managed a consolation goal late, but Magdeburg maintained control throughout the match.
All three clubs progressed comfortably to the second round of the DFB-Pokal, held on 15 August 2025.
Summary Table
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Result | Key Details | |----------------|-------------------------|----------------|---------|-------------------------------------| | Bayer Leverkusen | SG Sonnenhof Großaspach | Away | 4-0 | Storm delay, comfortable win | | Union Berlin | FC Gütersloh | Away | 5-0 | Biggest crowd in 27 years, Skov FK | | 1. FC Magdeburg | 1. FC Saarbrücken | Away | 3-1 | Goals before and after half-time |
Previous Performances
It is worth noting that Union Berlin had lost their last four preparation games each 0:1. However, they secured their tenth consecutive opening win in the DFB-Pokal with a score of 5:0 against fourth-tier team FC Gütersloh.
Some key moments in the matches included:
- Union Berlin scored mainly from free kicks or corner kicks in their 5:0 win over FC Gütersloh.
- Oliver Burke and Ilyas Ansah made their debuts for Union Berlin in the starting lineup.
- Danilho Doekhi scored the third goal for Union Berlin in the 43rd minute from a set piece.
- Andrej Ilic scored the fourth goal for Union Berlin in the 78th minute from open play.
- Arthur increased the lead for Bayer Leverkusen at the start of the final phase (74th minute).
- Christian Kofane scored for Bayer Leverkusen in the 84th minute of the match.
- Alejandro Grimaldo scored a penalty for Bayer Leverkusen in the 87th minute of the match.
- Mert Tasdelen was sent off with a red card in the 82nd minute of the match between Bayer Leverkusen and SG Sonnenhof Großaspach.
- Captain Volkan Celiktas was sent off with a yellow-red card in the 67th minute of the match between Bayer Leverkusen and SG Sonnenhof Großaspach.
- Martijn Kaars and Rayan Ghrieb scored for 1. FC Magdeburg, with Ghrieb scoring two goals.
- Patrik Schick scored the first goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the 32nd minute of the match.
- Jeong Woo-yeong scored the fifth goal for Union Berlin in the 90.+4 minute from open play.
- Leopold Querfeld scored the second goal for Union Berlin in the 35th minute from a set piece.
These matches marked the start of the 2025/26 DFB-Pokal campaign for these sides.
- Regardless of the Commission's decision regarding the implementation of certain measures, these sports-related victories were undoubtedly impressive, as Bayer Leverkusen, Union Berlin, and 1. FC Magdeburg all exhibited exceptional football skills in their opening DFB-Pokal matches.
- Given the strong performances displayed in football during the opening round of the DFB-Pokal, one can only speculate as to what the teams might achieve if the Commission adopts a favorable decision on the measures in question, potentially bolstering their abilities even further.
