The DFB Cup Progression: Leverkusen Presses On After Eliminating Three Opponents
In a rain-soaked debut, new coach Erik ten Hag steered Bayer Leverkusen to a convincing 4-0 victory over fourth-tier side SG Sonnenhof Großaspach in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 15, 2025.
The match, temporarily halted due to a thunderstorm with hail, was marked by strong performances from the Leverkusen squad. Striker Patrik Schick headed in the opening goal in the 32nd minute, with Arthur from Brazil doubling the lead before half-time.
Christian Kofane and Alejandro Grimaldo, who scored from a penalty late in the game, added further gloss to the scoreline, emphasising Leverkusen's dominance. However, ten Hag acknowledged that there is still work to be done, particularly after a major summer overhaul that saw many key players depart and 14 new signings arrive.
Elsewhere in the competition, 1. FC Union Berlin and 1. FC Magdeburg advanced to the next round, defeating FC Gütersloh and 1. FC Saarbrücken respectively. Union Berlin's win was not entirely convincing, as they struggled from open play, but they managed to take a 3-0 lead against Gütersloh before half-time, thanks to goals from Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Robert Skov's direct free kick.
Despite a late consolation goal from Andrej Ilic, Gütersloh were unable to mount a comeback. Saarbrücken's Tim Civeja scored a goal in the 67th minute to reduce Magdeburg's lead to 3-1, but Rayan Ghrieb's brace in the 45+2nd and 59th minutes ensured Magdeburg's progression.
As ten Hag's first official match in charge of Bayer Leverkusen drew to a close, the coach remained focused on continuing to improve the team ahead in the Bundesliga and future competitions. With a successful start in the DFB-Pokal, Leverkusen fans will be eager to see how the squad performs in the league and beyond.
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