Union Berlin resolves their cup obligations, leaving Bayer 04 bench-bound
In the ongoing DFB-Pokal matches, Union Berlin showcased their set-piece prowess in a dominating 5-0 victory over FC Gütersloh, while Bayer Leverkusen faced elimination after extra time in their match.
Union Berlin's success against Gütersloh was marked by a clinical performance, particularly from set pieces. Three of their first-half goals were either scored directly or indirectly from free kicks and corners. Robert Skov opened the scoring with a superb free kick (19'), Leopold Querfeld scored from a corner (35'), and Rani Khedira deflected a shot from a set piece (43'). Union added two more goals in the second half, securing a convincing win[3][4][5].
In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen's DFB-Pokal journey ended in extra time, though specific details of their game are not available. The results highlight Union Berlin’s tactical set-piece efficiency as a key factor in their comprehensive win, while Leverkusen's exit reflects the unpredictability and competitive nature of the cup[3].
Elsewhere, 1. FC Magdeburg defeated 1. FC Saarbrücken in the DFB-Pokal with a score of 3:1 (2:0). Martijn Kaars (43.) and Rayan Ghrieb (45.+2, 59.) scored for Magdeburg, while Tim Civeja (67.) scored the only goal for Saarbrücken. Calogero Rizzuto had a blocked shot for Saarbrücken[1][2].
Steffen Baumgart, Union Berlin's coach, fielded Ilyas Ansah and Oliver Burke in the starting lineup for their first competitive match[6]. It's worth noting that Union Berlin had lost their last four preparation games each 0:1[7].
The match between Union Berlin and Bayer Leverkusen is still in progress, with Leverkusen leading 2:0 (Goals from Patrik Schick (32') and Arthur (74'))[8]. The match between 1. FC Magdeburg and 1. FC Saarbrücken was played at the Ludwigsparkstadion, with no attendance details provided. The match between SG Sonnenhof Großaspach and Bayer 04 Leverkusen had to be suspended for approximately 45 minutes due to a severe storm in the first half, with no details about the game provided before the suspension[9]. FC Gütersloh had no impact on the game against Union Berlin[10].
The European leagues witnessed an intriguing contrast in the DFB-Pokal, as Union Berlin, with their exceptional set-piece prowess, secured a resounding 5-0 victory over FC Gütersloh, while Bayer Leverkusen suffered elimination after extra time in their match, despite earlier successes in sports like football. The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of the measures in question regarding these matches' outcomes.
