2. Bundesliga, bundesliga

2024/25 DFB Cup: Fixtures, results and LIVE blogs

05.09.2024

Holders Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are safely through to the 2024/25 DFB Cup second round, but who from the Bundesliga has joined them?

bundesliga.com details all the fixtures for the 2024/25 road to Berlin, where the final will be played on 24 May 2025...

Red bold text = Bundesliga club
Red normal text = Bundesliga 2 club
Italicised text = third division or lower

Second-round fixtures

Tuesday, 29 October (6pm CET)

Bayer Leverkusen vs. SV Elversberg
Kickers Offenbach vs. Karlsruhe
Augsburg vs. Schalke
RB Leipzig vs. St. Pauli

Tuesday, 29 October (8.45pm CET)

VfB Stuttgart vs. Kaiserslautern
Cologne vs. Holstein Kiel
Wolfsburg vs. Borussia Dortmund
Jahn Regensburg vs. Greuther Fürth

Wednesday, 30 October (6pm CET)

Freiburg vs. Hamburg
Hertha Berlin vs. Heidenheim
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach
Paderborn vs. Werder Bremen

Wednesday, 30 October (8.45pm CET)

Arminia Bielefeld vs. Union Berlin
Hoffenheim vs. Nuremberg
Dynamo Dresden vs. Darmstadt
Mainz vs. Bayern Munich

Watch: Leverkusen celebrate domestic double in 2024

First-round results

Carl Zeiss Jena 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Preußen Münster 0-5 VfB Stuttgart
Energie Cottbus 1-3 Werder Bremen
TuS Koblenz 0-1 Wolfsburg
Kickers Offenbach 2-1 Magdeburg
Eintracht Braunschweig 1-4 Eintracht Frankfurt
Viktoria Berlin 1-4 Augsburg
Saarbrücken 1-1 Nuremberg (Nuremberg win 5-3 on pens.)
Teutonia Ottensen 1-3 Darmstadt
Jahn Regensburg 1-0 Bochum
Bremer SV 0-4 Paderborn
VfV Hildesheim 0-7 Elversberg
Sandhausen 2-3 Cologne (AET)
Hansa Rostock 1-5 Hertha Berlin
Dynamo Dresden 2-0 Fortuna Düsseldorf
Sportfreunde Lotte 0-5 Karlsruhe
Meppen 1-7 Hamburg
Schott Mainz 0-2 Greuther Fürth
Erzgebirge Aue 1-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Greifswalder FC 0-1 Union Berlin
Villingen 0-4 Heidenheim
Rot-Weiss Essen 1-4 RB Leipzig
Ingolstadt 1-2 Kaiserslautern
VfR Aalen 0-2 Schalke
Osnabrück 0-4 Freiburg
Alemannia Aachen 2-3 Holstein Kiel
Arminia Bielefeld 2-0 Hannover
Phönix Lübeck 1-4 Borussia Dortmund
Ulm 0-4 Bayern Munich
Würzburger Kickers 2-2 Hoffenheim (Hoffenheim won 5-3 on pens.)
Wehen Wiesbaden 1-3 Mainz (aet)
Hallescher FC 2-3 St. Pauli (aet)

First round recap!

Thirty down, two to go

That's almost it for the first round. Two more fixtures remain, with Stuttgart away to Bundesliga 2's Münster on 27 August, and holders Leverkusen at fourth-tier Jena a day later. Join us for coverage of those two next week!

Full-time! Braunschweig 1-4 Frankfurt

There's to be no cupset in Braunschweig! Frankfurt were quiet in the first half, but clinical in the second, with Ekitiké the catalyst for a comfortable 4-1 win.

89' GOAL! Braunschweig 1-4 Frankfurt

Levente Szabo with a late consolation for the Bundesliga 2 side. It's an easy finish from inside the box after a quick breakaway, but too little, too late...

88' GOAL! Braunschweig 0-4 Frankfurt

Matanović adds the gloss, the young Croatian heading in from Marmoush, who's been a real handful since the restart.

73' Frankfurt want more...

Summer signing Igor Matanović, who's just come on for Ekitiké, forces a full-stretch save from Grill with a well-struck shot from inside the area.

61' GOAL! Braunschweig 0-3 Frankfurt

Ekitiké completes his brace with a superb looping finish over the goalkeeper, but kudos to Larsson for his cool cushioned lay-off with the chest. Frankfurt are suddenly rampant!

56' GOAL! Braunschweig 0-2 Frankfurt

Frankfurt strike again. Ekitiké beats three Braunschweig shirts, exchanges passes with Marmoush and sends a cool finish past Grill from 10 yards.

52' GOAL! Braunschweig 0-1 Frankfurt

There's the breakthrough. It's lovely play between Ekitiké and Marmoush, with the former sending in a superb outside-of-the-boot pass towards the back post - Marmoush can't miss.

Half-time: Braunschweig 0-0 Frankfurt

Frankfurt have bossed possession, albeit without seriously threatening in an attacking sense whilst almost being undone by two set-pieces at the other end. Food for thought for Toppmöller and his coaching staff!

45' Braunschweig again!

Frankfurt wobble from another corner directed towards Gomez. He miscues, though, and Bicakcic - surprised to be on the receiving end of the opening - can't do anything with it.

27' Almost!

Trapp doesn't deal with a corner, allowing Ould-Chikh to keep the chance alive. He tees up Gomez, whose goal-bound shot is blocked by Kristensen. Big let-off for the Bundesliga side!

21' Half chance!

Kristensen and Marmoush combine to set up a shooting chance for Ekitiké, but he doesn't catch it cleanly. Frankfurt asking the questions...

11' Close!

Koch with Frankfurt's first meaningful attempt, but his 12-yard header from Chaïbi's cross doesn't trouble the goalkeeper.

The ball's rolling!

Can Frankfurt dodge a potential banana skin and join the likes of Bayern, Dortmund and Leipzig in the second round?

Braunschweig vs. Frankfurt up next

The Eagles have landed in Braunschweig, and they're at full strength. Rasmus Kristensen, a summer loan signing from Leeds United, makes his competitive debut for the club. Hugo Ekitiké and Omar Marmoush lead the line, with Mario Götze in support.

Offenbach stun Magdeburg!

The Regionalliga West outfit serve up the shock of the day so far. Bundesliga 2's Magdeburg are out of the competition following a 2-1 loss!

Wins for Wolfsburg and Bremen

Wolfsburg were made to work for it by Koblenz, but they advance. Bremen had a far easier ride in Cottbus.

74' GOAL! Offenbach 2-1 Magdeburg

Magdeburg fall behind for the second time. Wachs is involved again, crossing for substitute Valdrin Mustafa to turn home from close range.

70' GOAL! Cottbus 1-3 Bremen

Henry Rorig with the pick of the bunch. A sensational hit from a good 20 yards out, but surely just a consolation...

55' GOAL! Cottbus 0-3 Bremen

Topp completes his hat-trick! Lovely pass from Ducksch, albeit a hint off offside. There's no VAR for these games, though.

54' GOAL! Offenbach 1-1 Magdeburg

Martijn Kaars levels for Magdeburg, firing home from 11 yards. Game on!

Half-time!

Leads for Bundesliga duo Bremen and Wolfsburg, but second-tier Magdeburg are behind.

31' GOAL! Offenbach 1-0 Magdeburg

The Bundesliga 2 club trail to an Alexander Sorge goal, the Offenbach defender heading in a cross from Wachs. The hosts play in Germany's fourth tier...

37' GOAL! Cottbus 0-2 Bremen

Campulka cannot handle Topp. The Bremen youngster shakes off his marker and thunders in another fine strike for 2-0!

32' GOAL! Cottbus 0-1 Bremen

Advantage Werder as Keke Topp opens his account with a confident finish, after Campulka mistimed his challenge.

15' GOAL! Koblenz 0-1 Wolfsburg

Patrick Wimmer heads home after just 15 minutes. Great start for Ralph Hasenhüttl's side, who host Bayern Munich in their Bundesliga opener on Sunday.

Under way!

The first three of four Monday games kick off around Germany!

Monday's fixtures

There are four more games left to be played over this bumper long weekend: Energie Cottbus vs. Werder Bremen TuS Koblenz vs. Wolfsburg, Kickers Offenbach vs. Magdeburg (all 6pm CEST), Eintracht Braunschweig vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (8.45pm).

That's all for today!

A busy day of DFB Cup action comes to an end with our first two upsets, Jahn Regensburg beating Bochum 1-0, while Dynamo Dresden took down Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-0. We'll be back for more tomorrow with Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt all in action.

Full-time: Dynamo Dresden 2-0 Fortuna Düsseldorf

Last season's semi-finalists fall at the first hurdle in 24/25 as Dynamo Dresden prevail 2-0. The hosts have plenty of opportunities - 27 shots in total - and were deserved winners.

Full-time: Meppen 1-7 Hamburg

Meppen took away a nice little extra from their hammering, but it won't do much to distract from a comprehensive Hamburg display. Steffen Baumgart looks pleased despite the late blotch, and will now try and take that confidence into their Bundesliga 2 promotion campaign.

90' GOAL! Meppen 1-7 Hamburg

If that's the last goal of the match, Meppen can still end on somewhat of a high after their battering. Daniel Haritonov decides to do it all himself, coming inside from the right and curling home a nice souvenir.

Full-time: Lotte 0-5 Karlsruher

A comfortable day at the office for Bundesliga 2 side Karlsruher, who put five past Lotte on their way to victory.

89' GOAL! Meppen 0-7 Hamburg

There he is. Last season's top scorer Glatzel gets his goal off the bench. The lofty striker raises highest and a bullet header from a corner can't be stopped.

82' GOAL! Lotte 0-5 Karlsruher

Bambasé Conté is next on the scoresheet for Karlsruher, curling into the corner from inside the penalty area.

80' GOAL: Meppen 0-6 Hamburg

Ouch. Last season's top scorer Robert Glatzel tries to make his way into Meppen's box, but he's tackled with the ball drifting harmlessly towards goalkeeper Julius Punt. It's not that harmless, though, as the 20-year-old gets kidded by the bounce and lets the ball through his legs into the back of the net.

71' GOAL: Meppen 0-5 Hamburg

It's some more gloss on an already brilliant win for Hamburg who have Pherai to thank once more. The midfielder comes in off the right hand side and can't be stopped as he shifts the ball to Fabio Balde for an easy finish into the back of the net.

69' GOAL! Lotte 0-4 Karlsruher

Another goal to celebrate for the travelling Karlsruher fans. This time, Budu Zivzivadze taps home from the penalty spot unmarked.

68' GOAL: Dresden 2-0 Düsseldorf

Dresden are in full control against Düsseldorf now, as Robin Meißner fires into the corner leaving Kastenmeier no chance between the sticks.

59' GOAL: Meppen 0-4 Hamburg

That's game over! Pherai gets his second of the match as he scraps in a lose ball at a corner.

56' GOAL: Meppen 0-3 Hamburg

Davie Selke comes off the bench and scores with his second touch as he starts and finshes off a lovely passing move/

49' GOAL: Lotte 0-3 Karlsruher

More breathing space for Karlsruher, as Johannes Sabah heads into his own net from a corner. Karlsruher close to being home and dry now.

Half-time: Meppen 0-2 Hamburg

Hamburg are making things look easy so far, but will need to keep up the momentum to stop a Meppen fight back in the second half.

Half-time: Dresden 1-0 Düsseldorf

Just one goal separates the two teams in Dresden - the goal has been awarded as an own goal from Florian Kastenmaier.

Half-time: Lotte 0-2 Karlsruher

A relatively comfortable half for the away side, who are two goals to the good.

31' GOAL: Meppen 0-2 Hamburg

Miro Muheim gives HSV a two goal cushion with a brilliant free kick. Out on the right, the left footer bends it around everyone into the far left post.

21' GOAL: Lotte 0-2 Karlsruher

Marvin Wanitzek doubles the visitors advantage. Karlsruher had hit the post shortly prior, but the upright doesn't come to their rescue on this occasion.

17' GOAL: Meppen 0-1 Hamburg

Favourites Hamburg have the breakthrough at Meppen courtesy of Immanuël Pherai's low drive - that was HSV's first real chance of the game.

18' GOAL: Dresden 1-0 Düsseldorf

Dresden move in front inside the opening 20 minutes. Christoph Daferner is the goalscorer, firing home with his right boot.

Full-time: Sandhausen 2-3 Cologne

Even after squandering a two-goal lead, Cologne are through to the next round. Mathias Olesen was the hero, heading home late in extra time.

2' GOAL! Lotte 0-1 Karlsruher

The hosts take the lead through David Herold with less than two minutes played. The Karlsruher man shoots from 20 yards and finds the corner.

Next round of games underway!

The three 6pm games - Lotte vs Karlsruher, Meppen vs Hamburg and Dynamo Dresden vs Fortuna Düsseldorf - are up and running.

116' GOAL! Sandhausen 2-3 Cologne

Just as the game appeared to be heading to penalties, the visitors may have found a winner. Olesen turns goalscorer after previously providing, heading into the back of the net with just a few minutes remaining.

Extra-time half-time: Sandhausen 2-2 Cologne

The score remains level after the first 15 of 30 extra minutes.

Full-time: Jahn Regensburg 1-0 Bochum

There it is! Bundesliga 2 side Regensburg pick up the first upset of the DFB Cup by downing Bundesliga side Bochum with a deserved victory in front of their own supporters.

End of normal-time: Sandhausen 2-2 Cologne

We will play 30 more minutes in Sandhausen after the hosts recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw level.

90'+6 GOAL! Sandhausen 2-2 Cologne

Despite leading 2-0 at the break, Cologne are going to extra-time against Sandhausen after Richard Meier's last-gasp equaliser!

Full-time: Ottensen 1-3 Darmstadt

Despite an early second-half scare, recently relegated Bundesliga 2 side Darmstadt got exactly the confidence boost they needed with their first win of the season three games in.

Full-time: Rostock 1-5 Hertha

Hertha kick off their campaign with a confident victory over Hansa Rostock. The side from the capital were impressive in the first half and took a 1-0 lead, but were pegged back shortly after the interval. However, four second-half efforts, including a Florian Niederlechner double, secured progression.

Full-time: Hildesheim 0-7 Elversberg

A comprehensive victory for second-tier Elversberg, who fire seven past Oberliga (fifth division) outfit Hildesheim. It was already 3-0 at the break, with the visitors adding four more to record the highest win of the first-round so far.

Full-time: Bremer SV 0-4 Paderborn

It looked like Paderborn may not capitalise on their dominance, but three goals in seven second half minutes secured an easy victory for the Bundesliga 2 side.

88' GOAL! Rostock 1-5 Hertha

Despite being on the pitch for less than 10 minutes, Niederlechner has his brace from close range.

85' GOAL! Rostock 1-4 Hertha

That should get the job done for Hertha, as a clinical finish from Florian Niederlechner gives them a three-goal buffer as we approach the final stages.

78' GOAL! Hildesheim 0-7 Elversberg

You have to feel for Hildesheim - they have no answer for Elversberg right now. Another header, this time from Joseph Boyamba, adds extra salt to the hosts' wounds.

77' GOAL! Hildesheim 0-6 Elversberg

The visitors are showing no mercy here. Carlo Sickinger is next to find the back of the net, with Elias Baum providing the assist for his header.

75' GOAL! Rostock 1-3 Hertha

Hertha now have extra breathing space thanks to Marten Winkler, who fires home with 15 minutes left on the clock. A long way back for Rostock now.

70' GOAL! Jahn Regensburg 1-0 Bochum

The day's only scoreless game now has a goal! Regensburg have been in charge in this second half and finally get rewarded when Bochum fail to clear their lines. Florian Ballas slams in a well-deserved opener.

66' GOAL! Rostock 1-2 Hertha

Hertha are back in front! Ibrahim Maza plays a clever one-two with Deyovaisio Zeefuik, bursts into the penalty area and dispatches into the far corner. Can the Berlin outfit hold on to their lead this time?

62' GOAL! Hildesheim 0-5 Elversberg

Julius Schmahl gets in on the act, slotting into the corner to add even more gloss to an already impressive scoreline.

62' GOAL! Ottensen 1-3 Darmstadt

Just as Darmstadt had recieved a fright, they're back with a two goal lead. Ottensen can't stop Isac Lidberg's run into their box and Oscar Vilhelmsson is there to finish his pullback. The young striker has been given the goal, but it could well end up being awarded to an Ottensen defender.

58' GOAL! Sandhausen 1-2 Cologne

Hope for the hosts as they halve the deficit! Timo Hübers handles in the area, giving away a penalty in the process. From 12 yards, Great Halimi makes no mistake, sending Jonas Urbig the wrong way.

58' GOAL! Bremer SV 0-4 Paderborn

Paderborn are just having fun now. Bremer miss the chance to easily clear an attack and Paderborn recycle possession before putting a cross in the box where Grimaldi nods in his second easy header of the afternoon.

52' GOAL! Bremer SV 0-3 Paderborn

As quick as it was two it's suddenly three for Paderborn. New signing Sven Michel lets rip from range and it's an absolute beauty into the top corner.

51' GOAL! Bremer SV 0-2 Paderborn

Paderborn recycle possession after a failed corner and Santiago Castaneda is there to prod in the loose ball.

49' GOAL! Ottensen 1-2 Darmstadt

Well that came out of nowhere! After a first half battering Ottensen quickly get back in it. The home side spring a turnover on the edge of the Darmstadt box and Nick Gutmann quickly gets a shot away. It's saved, but Christian Stark is there to turn in the rebound.

51' GOAL! Hildesheim 0-4 Elversberg

From bad to worse for Hildesheim, who are now four goals behind to Elversberg. Paul Stock gets himself on the scoresheet, poking through Tommy Henze's legs to do so.

46' GOAL! Rostock 1-1 Hertha

Hansa are back on level terms against Hertha! New signing Albin Berisha has been quiet so far, but he pounces on a Marius Gersbeck mistake to draw his side level.

Half-time: Rostock 0-1 Hertha

Just the one goal separates the two teams in this duel between two Bundesliga 2 outfits. Hertha dominated much of the first half, and were rewarded when Derry Scherhant netted shortly before half-time.

Half-time: Hildesheim 0-3 Elversberg

It has been a comfortable opening 45 minutes for Elversberg, who are three to the good at the interval. Luca Schnellbacher and Robin Fellhauer netted, before Yannik Schulze put the ball into his own net. An uphill task awaits Hildesheim in the second period.

Half-time: Sandhausen 0-2 Cologne

Second-tier Cologne have one foot in the second round thanks to a clinical first half. Julian Pauli opened the scoring midway through the opening period, before Linton Maina doubled the advantage around the half-hour mark.

Half-time: Bremer SV 0-1 Paderborn

Paderborn have a deserved lead, but would have been hoping for more against lower league opposition.

Half-time: Jahn Regensburg 0-0 Bochum

The only scoreless match of the day so far, Regensburg and Bochum have cancelled each other out.

43' GOAL! Hildesheim 0-3 Elversberg

That might well be game over before we even reach the break in Hildesheim. This one is rather unfortunate for the hosts, though, as Yannik Schulze heads into his own net.

Half-time: Ottensen 0-2 Darmstadt

Recently relegated Bundesliga 2 outfit Darmstadt with be delighted with the opening 45 minutes and will hope to turn the second period into a confidence booster.

38' GOAL! Rostock 0-1 Hertha

The visitors have been the better team so far in this one, and they now have a lead to go with their superiority. Hansa fail to clear Jonjoe Kenny's cross, allowing Derry Scherhant to fire into the back of the net from close range.

34' GOAL! Sandhausen 0-2 Cologne

Cologne have been knocking on the door in their search for a second, and they now have it. Linton Maina is the goalscorer, burying into the bottom corner from Mathias Olesen's pass.

33' GOAL! Hildesheim 0-2 Elversberg

Gerezgiher is again involved as Elversberg double their lead! On this occasion, the winger's cross isn't cleared from the area, and Robin Fellhauer is on hand to bundle home.

28' GOAL! Ottensen 0-2 Darmstadt

This one may already be beyond Ottensen. Luca Marseiler is taken down in the penalty area and Fabian Nurnberger sends the goalkeeper the wrong way for a 2-0 lead.

21' GOAL! Bremer SV 0-1 Paderborn

Bremer SV were heading on by a thread for that Paderborn attack which saw Luca Herrmann have a shot turned onto the bar before Adriano Grimaldi followed up with a simple header for a deserved lead.

20' GOAL! Sandhausen 0-1 Cologne

Youth team graduate Julian Pauli gets his first goal from Cologne and it's a simple header from a corner. It's deflected on its way in but will surely stay with the youngster.

19' GOAL! Ottensen 0-1 Darmstadt

Kai Klefisch won't be forgetting that one any time soon! The defensive midfielder, signed from Paderborn lets rip an absolute stunner from range which glances off the woodwork and in.

17' GOAL! VfV Hildesheim 0-1 Elversberg

Bundesliga 2 outfit Elversberg are the first team to score in the 3.30pm kick offs and it's a simple goal against Regonalliga's Hildesheim. Filimon Gerezgiher finds space to run on the left and plays a perfect low cross into the box which Luca Schnellbacher taps in.

Full-time: Saarbrücken 1-1 (4-5 on pens) Nuremburg

Nuremburg eventually down the plucky underdogs in the shootout as Manuel Zeitz misses the decisive kick. Klose doesn't look happy though, with Saarbrücken putting up a great fight against his Bundesliga 2 side, who could have easily been knocked out in extra time.

End of extra time: Saarbrücken 1-1 Nuremburg

Saarbrücken and Nuremburg are heading to penalties after a scoreless extra-time period. The third tier outfit had the best of the chances and will now try and claim their upset from the penalty spot.

More matches underway

We're kicked off in all of the 15:30pm starts. We have Teutonia Ottensen vs. Darmstadt, Jahn Regensburg vs. Bochum, Bremer SV vs. Paderborn, VfV Hildesheim vs. Elversberg, Sandhausen vs. Cologne and Hansa Rostock vs. Hertha Berlin.

End of normal time: Saarbrücken 1-1 Nuremberg

We're heading to extra time in Saarbrücken in a game that's quickly become a goal of the season contest. Can the third tier outfit manage yet another cup scalp?

Full-time: Viktoria Berlin 1-4 Augsburg

Viktoria Berlin showed some fight but ultimately Augsburg's quality shone through. Jess Thorup will still be hoping for better from his troops when they open their Bundesliga campaign against Werder Bremen.

90+2' GOAL! Viktoria Berlin 1-4 Augsburg

That's that. Kabadayi has all the time on the left to pick out Tietz who nods in Augsburg's fourth.

87' GOAL! Viktoria Berlin 1-3 Augsburg

Augsburg look to have ended the match in the final minutes. Vargas races down the right after sprining a turnover and finds Kabadayi in the box who lays the ball off to Dorsch, then Horenborg, who puts the game to bed.

80' GOAL! Saarbrücken 1-1 Nuremberg

What a goal!!! As if the opener wasn't good enough, Kai Brunker betters it! A low cross is fired into him under pressure on the penalty spot and while falling down he volleys an unstoppable effort into the corner. Game on!

53' GOAL! Viktoria Berlin 1-2 Augsburg

Samuel Essende continues a strong debut for his new side with a run down the left, a quick exchange of passes and a confident finish. Augsburg breath a collective sigh of relief.

Back underway

The action has resumed in both of today's early kick-offs.

Half-time: Viktoria Berlin 1-1 Augsburg

That was a half of two halves. Viktoria looked by far the better side until around the 25th minute when Augsburg started to get a foothold and then completely took over after their goal. They'll be disappointed not to be leading, but that could give Viktoria some confidence.

Half-time: Saarbrücken 0-1 Nuremberg

While Sevcik's goal was of the highest quality, the first half wasn't exactly that. Nuremberg look frustrated as they walk off the pitch and Saarbrücken will be happy about that. There's still plenty to play for in this one.

33' GOAL! Viktoria Berlin 1-1 Augsburg

There's the equaliser for the Bundesliga side. Engels sends a great ball into the box and Tietz sets up Rexhbecaj for a fine finish off the post and in.

12' GOAL! Saarbrücken 0-1 Nuremberg

A great start for Klose's men and what a hit from Michal Sevcik! The midfielder finds himself some space on the edge of the box and fires in a gorgeous dipping effort from range.

4' GOAL! Viktoria Berlin 1-0 Augsburg

We have an early shock to start the day! The Regionalliga side take an early lead as Liu scores from a corner!

We're underway!

Both of the early kick-offs are now underway in Saarbrücken and Berlin.

2:25

Watch: The best of Saarbrücken's DFB Cup run

Saarbrücken the story of 2023/24

While you'll recognise the name of Bundesliga outfit, and perhaps a Nuremberg side now coached by Germany legend Miroslav Klose, Saarbrücken are the ones to watch. The third division outfit shocked the nation last season by progressing all the way to the semi-finals, taking down Bayern Munich, Gladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt on their way.

First up...

Kicking off today's matches is Viktoria Berlin vs. Augsburg and Saarbrücken vs. Nuremberg at 1pm CEST.

Welcome back!

It's another day of DFB Cup action, and we have two Bundesliga sides playing among 11 intriguing fixtures.

That's all for today...

...but we'll be back with more DFB Cup action tomorrow with even more Bundesliga sides playing.

Full-time: Aachen 2-3 Kiel

Aachen's players collapse to the ground with their heads in their hands after an absolutely epic contest. The third division side came from a goal down to lead against the Bundesliga outfit, but ultimately Kiel were rewarded for their bravery with an incredible grandstand finish.

Full-time: Bielefeld 2-0 Hannover

After a first-half that promised so much, Bielefeld were able to shut things down in the second and book their place in the next round.

90+1' GOAL! Aachen 2-3 Kiel

Heartbreak for Aachen but Kiel throw everyone forward and get rewarded! A long ball is chucked in the box, and after being headed across, Kiel's Benedikt Pichler collides with Aachen goalkeeper Marcel Johnen in the air, and Rosenboom is there to head in his second of the match. Aachen are screaming for a foul, but it won't be given.

Full-time: Lübeck 1-4 Dortmund

Lübeck did themselves proud against a team three leagues higher than them, but ultimately BVB's talent shone through, even though they were tested. New signings shone for Dortmund, and Nuri Şahin has plenty to work with ahead of his first game as a Bundesliga head coach.

82' GOAL! Aachen 2-2 Kiel

After multiple big chances, Kiel finally break down Aachen. Lewis Holtby's corner causes chaos for his former side, and Lasse Rosenboom is there to smash in a hard-fought equaliser.

60' GOAL! Aachen 2-1 Kiel

Regionalliga side Aachen have come back from a goal down to lead Bundesliga side Kiel! Nils Winter latches onto a long ball, makes his way into the box and finds Charlison Benschop for what could be an incredibly famous goal.

62' GOAL! Lübeck 1-4 Dortmund

Julien Duranville gets his first BVB goal! The Belgian had only just come off the bench before combining with another substitute, Yan Couto. Couto brushes off a challenge and plays a perfect through ball. Duranville latches onto it, fights away the defender and finishes brilliantly.

55' GOAL! Lübeck 1-3 Dortmund

Lübeck get back in it, and what a way to do it! American centre-back Obinna Iloka is up the pitch pressing Brandt, wins the ball, drifts past Anton and fires in an absolute worldie!

Back underway!

All three of this evening's matches are back underway.

Half-time: Aachen 1-1 Kiel

The half ends with a penalty shout from Kiel, after a slight lull in play. The match still had a rapid start, though, and could end up being a classic if that continues in the second.

Half-time: Bielefeld 2-0 Hannover

Despite Bielefeld's rapid start and two brilliant goals, there's a long way to go in this one. Hannover have showed signs of a potential comeback and need a solid team talk from Stefan Leitl at the break.

Half-time: Lübeck 0-3 Dortmund

Lübeck will be disappointed they went behind so early, and they've been chasing the game ever since. This could end up being a big confidence-booster for Dortmund, given the performances of their new signings.

45+1 GOAL! Lübeck 0-3 Dortmund

That's peak Julian Brandt. The new no.10 takes down a ball over the top with a dream touch, and then finishes it even more delicately.

31' GOAL! Lübeck 0-2 Dortmund

Adeyemi wins a penalty for the away side and captain Emre Can makes no mistake with a superb finish from the spot.

28' GOAL! Aachen 1-1 Kiel

Aachen get back in it! Anton Heinz sends an absolutely sublime inswinging corner into the six-yard box where Mika Hanraths directs it in with the deftest of touches.

22' GOAL! Bielefeld 2-0 Hannover

Mizuto finds Oppie all alone in space and he has time to finish superbly for a 2-0 lead.

16' GOAL! Aachen 0-1 Kiel

The first shot of the match ends up in the net, and what a shot it is! Finn Porath pulls back a cross on the right hand side and Shuto Machino looks too far out to get a decent head on it, but does anyway, firing a bullet into the bottom corner.

13' GOAL! Bielefeld 1-0 Hannover

Bielefeld's early dominance finally pays off as Marius Worl breaks into the box. He loses control of the ball but Andre Becker is there to tap in a deserved opener.

3' GOAL! Lübeck 0-1 Dortmund

Two of BVB's new signings combine for the perfect opener! Pascal Groß sends a corner past everyone to the far post and Waldemar Anton is there to tap the ball in!

Back underway!

Things have kicked off in Aachen, Bielefeld and Lubeck for these late kick-offs.

Final three games today at 6pm

Alemannia Aachen vs. Holstein Kiel, Arminia Bielefeld vs. Hannover, Phönix Lübeck vs. Borussia Dortmund

Full-time: Osnabrück 0-4 Freiburg

The post-Christian Streich era at Freiburg begins with a convincing cup win! Goals from Lucas Höler, Vincenzo Grifo and a double from Junior Adamu got the job done, leaving Osnabrück with little chance of progression.

Full-time: Greifswalder 0-1 Union Berlin

It was far from a dominant Union display, but they got the job done. Yorbe Vertessen netted the only goal of the game as Die Eisernen secured their place in the second round.

90'+4 GOAL! Osnabrück 0-4 Freiburg

The visitors add extra gloss to the scoreline as Adamu grabs his second of the game, heading a Nicolas Höfler corner into the back of the net.

Lübeck XI

Leonhard - Bock, Ntika, Iloka, Adou - Obushnyi, Berger, Maiolo, Sadrifar - Kliti, Stöver

Alemannia Aachen XI

Johnen - Hanraths, Rumpf, Meyer - Winter, El-Faouzi, Bahn, Strujic - Heinz, Benschop, Scepanik

Full-time: Aalen 0-2 Schalke

Aalen will certainly feel hard done by after that performance, but Schalke won't complain. It's another win on the board for the Bundesliga 2 giants who avoided being punished by their opponents.

Full-time: Ingolstadt 1-2 Kaiserslautern

The Red Devils hang on to advance to the last 32. The Bundesliga 2 side were in control at the halfway stage thanks to Jannik Mause’s brace, but a red card for Jan Gyamerah after the restart gave the 3. Liga club a lifeline. Sabrina Wittmann’s team set up a grandstand finish with Ryan Malone’s header, but they were unable to break down Lautern one more time.

Full-time: Essen 1-4 Leipzig

Leipzig took a while to get going and were punished by Essen's early opener, but in the second half they quickly took over. Both coaches will be encouraged, particularly Marco Rose, who saw impressive performances from Xavi and Nusa.

Full-time: Villingen 0-4 Heidenheim

The Max Breunig Show in Villingen, with his hat-trick on debut sending Heidenheim through to the second round with minimal fuss against the Regionalliga side. Bayern loanee Paul Wanner also got in on the act on his competitive debut as well.

88' GOAL! Essen 1-4 Leipzig

Absolute magic from Xavi. André Silva flicks the ball through to the Dutchman and he still has plenty to do, but makes it look easy with a drop of each shoulder kidding the Essen defence and he then slots in brilliantly.

88' GOAL! Ingolstadt 1-2 Kaiserslautern

Game on at the Audi-Sportpark. Wonderful in-swinging cross from David Kopacz. American defender Ryan Malone launches himself at it and gets Sabrina Wittmann's side right back in this with five a few minutes to go against the 10 men of Kaiserslautern.

84' GOAL! Essen 1-3 Leipzig

New signing Antonio Nusa comes on and scores with his first touch! The Norwegian overlaps Xavi and smashes his pass first time into the bottom corner. What a start!

73' GOAL! Osnabrück 0-3 Freiburg

The victory is surely secured for Freiburg now as Junior Adamu taps home, albeit fortuitously as David Richter is first to the ball but can only parry the ball into his opponent's knee.

67' GOAL! Greifswalder 0-1 Union Berlin

The Bundesliga side finally have the lead! Substitute Yorbe Vertessen is the goalscorer, playing a one-two with Benedict Hollerbach before burying into the top corner. Just over 20 minutes for Union to new see out.

68' GOAL! Aalen 0-2 Schalke

That might be it for Aalen. A disastrous pass back in midfield is latched onto by Mohr who makes no mistake as he slots past a helpless keeper.

54' GOAL! Villingen 0-4 Heidenheim

A debut hat-trick for Breunig! Heidenheim with a quick throw-in down the line that catches the Villingen defence napping. Pieringer can cut it back and the new striker from Freiburg's reserves has a simple tap-in.

52' GOAL! Villingen 0-3 Heidenheim

Heidenheim very much in control now. They win back the ball inside the Villingen half through Beck, who drives forward and finds Wanner moving unmarked through the centre, and the Bayern Munich loanee finishes with aplomb.

49' Red card!

A twist in Ingolstadt as Kaiserslautern are reduced to 10 men with Jan Gyamerah sent off for a second yellow card.

48' GOAL! Villingen 0-2 Heidenheim

Perfect start to the second half for Frank Schmidt's men. Leo Scienza is played down the left, crosses low and Max Breunig marks his competitive debut for Heidenheim with a brace as he flicks the ball beyond Andrea Hoxha.

Kick-off!

Action is back under way in these six games. We're yet to see an upset in this first round? Could that change this afternoon?

Half-time: Greifswalder 0-0 Union Berlin

Die Eisernen are all square with Greifswalder at half-time. The side from the capital have had more attempts but are yet to trouble Jakub Jakubov between the sticks, while the hosts have had two shots on target themselves.

Half-time: Osnabrück 0-2 Freiburg

Despite having considerably fewer shots than their opponents, Julian Schuster is well on the way to his first victory as Freiburg boss with his side 2-0 up at the break. Lucas Höler broke the deadlock before Vincenzo Grifo doubled the advantage shortly after.

Half-time: Aalen 0-1 Schalke

Aalen have put on a show for their home fans and will feel aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty before Karaman's opener looked offside. It's all to play for in this one...

Half-time: Villingen 0-1 Heidenheim

Heidenheim haven't been at their best so far but they have the lead in Villingen thanks to debutant Max Breunig finishing off a counter-attack.

Half-time: Essen 1-2 Leipzig

Third tier Essen have given an excellent account of themselves in the first-half, but Marco Rose's decision to show them plenty of respect with a strong team has ultimately proved the difference.

Half-time: Ingolstadt 0-2 Kaiserslautern

All going according to plan so far for the Bundesliga 2 club thanks to Jannik Mause's brace at the Audi-Sportpark.

43' GOAL! Villingen 0-1 Heidenheim

The Bundesliga side are finally ahead, countering from a Villingen corner. They need a couple of attempts to get the ball over the line, with Paul Wanner and Marvin Pieringer all having bites at the cherry before new striker Max Breunig gets the job done.

41' GOAL! Essen 1-2 Leipzig

Leipzig's two key men finally find each other and it's no surprise what happens next. Benjamin Šeško runs onto a ball down the right channel and plays it into Loïs Openda for a trademark first-time finish.

34' GOAL! Osnabrück 0-2 Freiburg

Die Breisgau Brasilianer double their lead through Vincenzo Grifo, with the Italy international finishing off an impressive move by cutting inside and firing into the corner.

30' GOAL! Osnabrück 0-1 Freiburg

2022/23 finalists Freiburg are in front in Osnabrück via Lucas Höler, who dispatched Bruno Ogbus' low cross from close range.

35' GOAL! Ingolstadt 0-2 Kaiserslautern

Lautern double up and Mause bags his brace, reacting quickest to a free-kick bouncing off the wall and slotting home with the goalkeeper wrong-footed.

31' GOAL! Aalen 0-1 Schalke

After a spirited opening half hour from Aalen, Schalke take the lead through an unsurprising source. Tobias Mohr sends in a free kick from out wide on the left and captain Kenan Karaman makes no mistake as he runs in and heads in expertly.

12' GOAL! Essen 1-1 Leipzig

The two-time DFB Cup winners are back in it. Amadou Haidara with a cross from the right. Benjamin Šeško makes no mistake in the centre.

3' GOAL! Ingolstadt 0-1 Kaiserslautern

The Red Devils strike early with their first attack. Aaron Opoku up the left, jinks inside and slips in Jannik Mause, who makes no mistake.

2' GOAL! Essen 1-0 Leipzig

What a start at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße! The hosts break with a long ball up the left. Ramien Safi cuts inside onto his right foot and picks out the far corner. RWE's earliest goal in the DFB Cup since Horst Hrubesch netted inside the first minute of the 1976/77 round of 16 against Arminia Bielefeld.

Kick-off!

We're under way in all corners of Germany in Greifswald, Villingen, Essen, Ingolstadt, Aalen and Osnabrück.

Six more games at 3.30pm

Greifswalder FC vs. Union Berlin, Villingen vs. Heidenheim, Rot-Weiss Essen vs. RB Leipzig, Ingolstadt vs. Kaiserslautern, VfR Aalen vs. Schalke, Osnabrück vs. Freiburg

Full-time: Schott Mainz 0-2 Fürth

A good display from Alexander Zorniger’s side as they advance to the second round. Greuther scored early through Srbeny before Mustapha wrapped things up late on. Fifth-tier Schott did have some chances to level but were unable to make the most of them. Still, an improvement on their 6-0 loss to Dortmund at this stage last year.

Full-time: Aue 1-3 Gladbach

The Foals looked like falling at the first hurdle at one point today after they fell behind early when Clausen volleyed Erzgebirge ahead, but the Bundesliga club eventually turned things around through Honorat, Netz and Pléa to advance to the last 32 as expected. They now turn their attentions to opening the new Bundesliga campaign at home to champions Leverkusen on Friday.

82' GOAL! Schott Mainz 0-2 Fürth

No, is the answer. The fifth-tier club lose the ball on the halfway line and then the Cloverleaves are away through Massimo, who squares for Mustapha unmarked in the middle to surly put this tie to bed.

81' Into the final 10

It's still only 1-0 in Mainz. Can Schott carve out one final telling chance and take this tie to extra-time?

Playful

All 22 goals scored in the first six games of this DFB Cup campaign have come from open play. There was also Weigl's penalty miss for Gladbach earlier.

70' GOAL! Aue 1-3 Gladbach

Borussia starting to look more comfortable now and extend their advantage as Pléa shifts the ball onto his right foot from left corner of the D and picks out the near bottom corner.

61' Got places to be

Not normally a substitution of note, but Etienne Portmann has gone off for Schott Mainz. No injury, not a tactical decision - he's the best man at a wedding today...

52' GOAL! Aue 1-2 Gladbach

Shortly after Stöger struck the post, the Bundesliga side do now have the lead. Pléa moves the ball left to Netz, who picks out the far top corner on his left foot. The full-back's second DFB Cup goal.

Kick-off!

Back under way for the second half in both early games. Fürth goalscorer Dennis Srbeny has gone off at the break to be replaced by Marlon Mustapha, who will know the Bruchwegstadion very well after his years playing and training here for Mainz 05.

Half-time!

First 45 minutes done in the two early kick-offs. It’s going according to script in Mainz, where Fürth lead minnows Schott, but only by a single goal. Over in Aue, Gladbach have not had things their own way, falling behind early before eventually stepping up a gear to level. And that missed penalty on the stroke of half-time will not have helped Gerardo Seoane’s mood as he heads into the changing room.

45'+5 Penalty saved!

Huge chance for Gladbach to turn things around before half-time as Tim Hoffmann fouls Alassane Pléa in the box. Julian Weigl steps up to take, firing low to the left, but Martin Männel guesses right and pushes the penalty away.

34' GOAL! Aue 1-1 Gladbach

The Bundesliga side are back on level terms. It's a bit of a scramble as the ball ricochets around the box until Franck Honorat pulls out a bicycle kick to find the left corner. The Frenchman has three goals and two assists now in four DFB Cup appearances.

20' Big chance!

Fürth are mostly in control, but Schott have a huge opportunity to level as Ismael Wiegand gets down the left and digs out a cross. Lennart Thum meets it in the middle but fires over.

8' GOAL! Schott Mainz 0-1 Fürth

And we also have the first goal in Mainz, this time with favourites Fürth going ahead as Dennis Srbeny puts away a rebound from Roberto Massimo's saved shot.

8' GOAL! Aue 1-0 Gladbach

We were close to several upsets last night - are we about to see a big one here? The 3. Liga side have taken an early lead as Mika Clausen volleys past Jonas Omlin, meeting a deep cross from the left unmarked. It's the first time since October 2019 that Aue have taken the lead in a DFB Cup game (vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf in the second round).

Kick-off!

The day’s first two games are under way as Schott Mainz of the fifth-tier Oberliga host Greuther Fürth, currently second in Bundesliga 2, while Erzgebirge Aue – themselves second in the 3. Liga – welcome three-time DFB Cup winners Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Schalke: Geraerts's view ahead of Aalen

"Our ambition is clearly to win this game. Aalen have interesting players, including two or three tall players. We can also expect a crowd of over 14,000 spectators. We have to be authentic and not think that we've already decided the game in our favour beforehand."

Heidenheim: Schmidt's view ahead of Villingen

"We have to be prepared for an opponent who sees this as the match of the year. We know the other side of the coin when you're a lower-league team facing a second division or Bundesliga team in the first round of the DFB Cup. And that's why it's clear that there will be huge excitement. You also have to remember this isn't the first time Villingen have qualified. More than ten times. It's not as if they've been thrashed in the past, but it's always been a bit tight, as it is in these cup games."

Gladbach: Seoane's view ahead of Aue

"We're expecting a team with a clear style of play that's managed to convince in their first two games of the season with two wins. Aue can play and also be robust. There's always tight games in the first round, and you've got teams from lower divisions who've already played league games. But we're the Bundesliga club and the favourites."

Dortmund: Şahin's view ahead of Lübeck

"I feel I'm ready. I know my team is ready and we can't wait to start playing competitive matches. We're starting with the DFB Cup, which is very important to us. And if I had to summarise the first six or seven weeks, they've been thoroughly positive."

Union Berlin: Svensson's view ahead of Greifswald

"We're happy that we can finally get started after a long pre-season. And then with this special cup competition too. We know our opponents have already played three competitive games. I don't know if you can say they're a step ahead, but they've definitely had games where something was at stake. That means we'll have a tough enough task tomorrow, but we think we've come through pre-season well and are ready for the game."

Leipzig: Rose's view ahead of Essen

"I think Essen is certainly a familiar name on the football map in Germany. We know that it'll be a tough task. I think we can expect a lot of emotion there. We have of course watched and analysed our opponents. Simply a good team, good opponents. But it's still the DFB Cup. We are RB Leipzig and of course we want to progress to the next round."

Saturday fixtures

1pm CEST
Schott Mainz vs. Greuther Fürth
Erzgebirge Aue vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach

3.30pm
Greifswalder FC vs. Union Berlin
Villingen vs. Heidenheim
Rot-Weiss Essen vs. RB Leipzig
Ingolstadt vs. Kaiserslautern
VfR Aalen vs. Schalke
Osnabrück vs. Freiburg

6pm
Alemannia Aachen vs. Holstein Kiel
Arminia Bielefeld vs. Hannover
Phönix Lübeck vs. Borussia Dortmund

Bayern advance!

The 20-time DFB Cup winners eased to a 4-0 win over Ulm in the Friday late game. Thomas Müller scored a first-half brace, before substitutes Kingsley Coman and Harry Kane added the gloss to get the Kompany era up and running.

Bayern live now!

That's it for the three early DFB Cup kick-offs, but Bayern are in action right at Ulm. Check out the LIVE blog of that game now.

Hoffenheim through!

Stach makes it 4-from-4 for Hoffenheim and now Würzburg have to score...Zaiser holds his nerve to make it 4-3, but Hoffenheim can clinch it with a fifth succssful penalty...Justvan puts it away leaving Hipper with no chance and Matarazzo's side have progressed by the skin of their teeth.

Advantage Hoffenheim

Bülter sticks his spot-kick away to make it 3-2 to the Bundesliga side, and then home captain Meisel sees his effort saved by Philipp.

All square

After four penalties, the sides are still locked together - all four have been scored.

Kramarić confidence

The Croatia international chips the first penalty right down the middle as Hoffenheim open the shoot-out.

120': Halle 2-3 St Pauli

Alexander Blessin's reign starts with a win but only just - Halle gave St Pauli a real scare there, but it's the Bundesliga side that progresses.

120': Würzburg and Hoffenheim go to penalties

It's ended 2-2 after extra-time so we head into a shoot-out for a place in the second round.

120+1': Wiesbaden 1-3 Mainz

Mainz surely wrap it up on the counter-attack through Amiri.

110': Halle - St. Pauli 2:3

What a game this is turning out to be! Treu sends over a cross from the right to the back post. Ritzka gets there ahead of his marker and heads home to put Pauli ahead!

113': Wiesbaden - Mainz 1:2

Carstens tries to clear, but the ball ricochets off Onisiwo and into the path of Burkardt, and the Mainz captain can finish with ease. The hosts are unlucky, but the visitors were clinical, and now lead.

107': Würzburg 2-2 Hoffenheim

It's a wonder goal from Bülter to bring Hoffenheim level. He brings the ball down, swivels and fires home at the second time of asking.

101': Bell rings one off post

The Mainz defender sees his header find the woodwork...or the aluminium, as they say in German.

100: Würzburg 2-1 Hoffenheim

Hannemann puts the underdogs ahead after robbing Geiger and firing beyond Philipp.

92' Hoffenheim chance

Extra-time is barely underway when Moerstedt has a great chance, but he can't beat Hipper in the home goal.

And extra-time in Halle too

All 3 cup ties are going into a further 30 minutes...maybe we'll have penalties?!?

90+4': Halle 2-2 St Pauli

Just when it looked like St Pauli were gonna start with a defeat, Dzwigala pops up with a late late late equaliser. We're heading to extra-time it seems.

62' Halle 2-1 St Pauli

The hosts are back in front. There's some smart build-up play before Akono gets on the ball. He finds Hauptmann with a superb pass, and his finish is too good for Vasilj. A shock is on the cards here.

63': Mainz denied

Stritzel leaps to turn aside Sieb's effort that looked destined for the top corner.

60: Wiesbaden 1-1 Mainz

And we're all square! Kohr wins back possession high up the pitch, plays a one-two with Lee and fires home the leveller for Mainz.

48': Halle 1-1 St Pauli

A great start to the second half for St Pauli. The hosts fail to deal with a long ball, Guilavogui puts a cross into the middle where Eggestein has the simplest of tasks to finish and bring last season's Bundesliga 2 champions level.

46': 2nd halves kick off

We're underway again in our trio of cup ties.

Half-time

The Bundesliga sides have got work to do in the second 45 minutes if they don't want to start their 2024/25 campaigns with a shock cup exit.

45+2': Zenter saves Mainz

The top-flight outfit would have been 2-0 down at the break but for Zentner, who pulls a top-drawer save out of the bag, brilliantly pushing out Flotho's header.

37': Chances at both ends

Eggestein forces a good save from Müller in the Halle goal after a Pauli corner and Vasilj is then called on to nip a home chance in the bud with Richardson threatening.

31': Prass pressing again

Hoffenheim work a neat free-kick routine that leaves Prass in space. He fires goal wards, but it's blocked, and he sends his attempted follow-up shot-cum-cross beyond the far post.

29': Mainz go close

New signing Armindo Sieb gets away down the wing and sends over a cross that Burkardt is so close to getting on the end of. The Bundesliga outfit starting to find their rhythm, perhaps?

18': Würzburg - Hoffenheim 1:1

Prass gets the visitors level. His shot from the edge of the area took a couple of helpful deflections en route to finding the net - it's a dream debut for the new arrival.

14': Wiesbaden 1-0 Mainz

What is going on? The Bundesliga teams are currently all trailing after Gözüsirin ends a penalty box scramble by grabbing the opener for the hosts.

11': Halle 1-0 St Pauli

Another goalkeeping howler in Halle! Vasilj tries to dribble round Akono, loses the ball, and...well, you know the rest. Halle in front!

11': Würzburg 1-0 Hoffenheim

It's a mistake from the goalkeeper that has given the hosts the lead. Akpoguma's backpass rolled under Philipp's foot, and Küc could not believe his luck. He just had to roll the ball into an empty net!

The season starts here!

The first competitive matches of the 2024/25 season for the three Bundesliga clubs in action in these early kick-offs get underway!!

Pauli fans out in force

The St Pauli fans will be making themselves heard today - they've come out in numbers for their team's first competitive game of the season.

Blessin's view ahead of Halle

"I already have a bit of cup experience. I was in the DFB Youth Cup final with Leipzig and last year I won the cup in Belgium. It's always a nice thing when you get to experience something like that. We know that our opponents see the match as a highlight fixture and will be highly motivated. Our task will be to hold our own. The boys are very focussed. I'm not worried that we'll take our opponents lightly."

Henriksen's view ahead of Wiesbaden

"It's a very important but very tough game. If we're not ready, don't give 100 percent, then we'll lose. It's the game of the year for them, maybe for the last 25-30 years. Teams from the second and third division have a lot of quality. We'll do all we can to have good experiences in this competition. But first we need to give our all on Friday."

Kompany's view ahead of Ulm

"It's an important game. We've looked forward to playing this game for a long time. We saw how well they worked, how well they prepared their season as well. I don't think there's ever the intention for us to go into a game like this without the utmost respect for the opponent, but of course, always believing that it's for ourselves to bring our best level and then, of course, the pressure is always on us to win in these games. But we're looking forward to it."

Wörle's view ahead of Bayern

"We know that Bundesliga 2 is the most important competition for us, without a doubt. But now this competition is on pause, which is why we are fully committed to the cup. This is a really big game for us, and I don't just mean for us as a team, but for us as a club, for the city of Ulm, for the whole region, for the fans. It's a kind of bonus game for us, but one thing is clear: we're going to give it our all. We want to try to perform to our best."

Matarazzo's view ahead of Würzburg

"We're the favourites and want to progress. If we bring good energy and a good performance, we'll progress to the second round. But we have an opponent who wants to prevent that. That's why we have to be focussed. The first round of the cup is always challenging. Würzburg are very dominant and strong in the league, so we'll have to wait and see what their plan is against us. I expect brutal energy from our opponents and also from the stadium. Our task is to make sure the stadium doesn't come to life."

When are the two remaining fixtures?

Since holders Bayer Leverkusen will face VfB Stuttgart in the Supercup this weekend, their respective first-round fixtures against Carl Zeiss Jena and Preußen Münster have been moved to 28 and 27 August.

Monday fixtures

6pm CEST: Energie Cottbus vs. Werder Bremen, TuS Koblenz vs. Wolfsburg, Kickers Offenbach vs. Magdeburg; 8.45pm: Eintracht Braunschweig vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

Sunday fixtures

1pm CEST: Viktoria Berlin vs. Augsburg, Saarbrücken vs. Nuremberg; 3.30pm: Teutonia Ottensen vs. Darmstadt, Jahn Regensburg vs. Bochum, Bremer SV vs. Paderborn, VfV Hildesheim vs. Elversberg, Sandhausen vs. Cologne, Hansa Rostock vs. Hertha Berlin; 6pm: Dynamo Dresden vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf, Sportfreunde Lotte vs. Karlsruhe, Meppen vs. Hamburg

Saturday fixtures

1pm CEST: Schott Mainz vs. Greuther Fürth, Erzgebirge Aue vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach; 3.30pm: Greifswalder FC vs. Union Berlin, Villingen vs. Heidenheim, Rot-Weiss Essen vs. RB Leipzig, Ingolstadt vs. Kaiserslautern, VfR Aalen vs. Schalke, Osnabrück vs. Freiburg; 6pm: Alemannia Aachen vs. Holstein Kiel, Arminia Bielefeld vs. Hannover, Phönix Lübeck vs. Borussia Dortmund

Friday fixtures

6pm CEST: Würzburger Kickers vs. Hoffenheim, Wehen Wiesbaden vs. Mainz, Hallescher FC vs. St. Pauli; 8.45pm: Ulm vs. Bayern Munich

Welcome!

The road to Berlin 2025 starts here as 64 teams enter the first round of the DFB Cup. A total of 30 ties will be played over this weekend (16-19 August), featuring clubs from the Bundesliga all the way down to the fifth tier of German football. You can keep up with all the action from the first round right here.

Further key dates

Second round

Draw on 1 September 2024, ties to be played on 29-30 October 2024

Round of 16

Draw on 3 November 2024, ties to be played on 3-4 December 2024

Quarter-finals

Draw on 8 December 2024, ties to be played on 4-5 and 25-26 February 2025

Semi-finals

Draw on 2 March 2025, ties to be played on 1-2 April 2025

Final

24 May 2025 at Berlin's Olympiastadion

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