cup match progression: Leverkusen advanced despite eliminating three opponents
Bayer Leverkusen, 1. FC Magdeburg, and 1. FC Union Berlin Advance in DFB-Pokal
The first round of the DFB-Pokal 2025/26 saw several exciting matches, with some clubs advancing while others faced tough challenges.
In the match between Bayer Leverkusen and SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, the Bundesliga side showed their dominance, securing a comfortable 4-0 victory. Arthur scored the second goal for Leverkusen at the 74th minute, while Patrik Schick opened the scoring at the 32nd minute. The match was delayed by approximately 40 minutes due to a thunderstorm with hail, but Leverkusen's new coach, Erik ten Hag, won his DFB-Pokals debut nonetheless.
- FC Magdeburg also secured a win, defeating 1. FC Saarbrücken 3-1 away. This match was notable as Saarbrücken were inspired by their remarkable cup run in 2023/24, where they reached the semi-finals by beating top sides. However, key injuries and absences plagued Saarbrücken, which likely contributed to Magdeburg's win. Martijn Kaars scored the first goal for Magdeburg at the 43rd minute, and new signing Rayan Ghrieb scored twice for the club, at the 45+2nd and 59th minutes.
- FC Union Berlin advanced in the competition, but their performance was less impressive from open play. Despite scoring two goals, Union Berlin failed to impress against FC Gütersloh, winning 5-0. The opponents of Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal were SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, who play in the regional league. Mert Tasdelen of SG Sonnenhof Großaspach was also sent off with a red card during the match.
Christian Kofane scored the third goal for Leverkusen at the 84th minute, and Alejandro Grimaldo sealed the victory with a penalty kick at the 87th minute. Referee Michael Bacher temporarily halted the match for a storm after 20 minutes.
These results reflect the initial steps in the 2025/26 DFB-Pokal competition, with Leverkusen, Magdeburg, and Union Berlin all advancing. Saarbrücken, on the other hand, struggled with injuries and key player absences and were unable to replicate their past cup success.
Here's a summary of the first-round DFB-Pokal matches involving these clubs:
| Club | Opponent | Result | Key Notes | |------------------|-----------------------|---------|--------------------------------------------| | Bayer Leverkusen | Sonnenhof Großaspach | 4-0 Win | Comfortable, commanding win | | 1. FC Magdeburg | 1. FC Saarbrücken | 3-1 Win | Overcame injury issues; Saarbrücken struggling with key absences | | 1. FC Union Berlin| FC Gütersloh | 5-0 Win | Failed to impress from open play | | 1. FC Saarbrücken | 1. FC Magdeburg | 1-3 Loss| Injury-hit side unable to replicate past cup success | | 1. FC Union Berlin| (Opponent not specified) | Advanced | No elimination, details unreported | | 1. FC Saarbrücken | (Opponent not specified) | Eliminated | Struggled with injuries and key player absences |
- The European leagues will be strengthened by the dominance shown by Bayer Leverkusen in their 4-0 victory over SG Sonnenhof Großaspach in the DFB-Pokal, as they demonstrated their potential to compete at a higher level.
- FC Magdeburg's victory over 1. FC Saarbrücken, despite Saarbrücken's impressive cup run in the previous season, highlights the unpredictability of football and the importance of maintaining a strong squad, as key injuries and absences significantly affected Saarbrücken's performance.
