Waldemar Anton on target as Borussia Dortmund cruise into DFB Cup second round
New signing Waldemar Anton was on the scoresheet as Borussia Dortmund kicked off the 2024/25 campaign with a comfortable 4-1 DFB Cup first-round victory over Phönix Lübeck at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion.
Considering last season's UEFA Champions League finalists play their football four divisions higher than Regionalliga outfit Lübeck, Dortmund were heavy favourites to progress. Therefore, it came as little surprise to see them stamp their authority on the game as they took the lead within the opening three minutes. Two summer signings combined, with Anton tapping home Pascal Groß's corner while unmarked at the back post. Initially, BVB were unable to create any clear-cut openings to add to their advantage, and Lübeck captain Johann Berger almost equalised with an audacious free-kick from distance. However, Die Schwarzgelben gave themselves extra breathing space around the half-hour mark when Emre Can converted a penalty after Karim Adeyemi had been been felled in the area by Kevin Ntika Bondombe. Now well in the ascendancy, Dortmund extended their lead further on the stroke of half-time through Julian Brandt's composed finish, with the impressive Groß's picking up his second assist in the process.
Forced to replace Gregor Kobel at the interval due to a back injury, Dortmund went in search of more goals after the interval. Soon, though, Kobel's replacement Alexander Meyer was picking the ball out of the net after Lübeck reduced the deficit. Centre-back Obinna Iloka found himself in the Dortmund third, dispossessed Brandt and fired a pinpoint effort into the top corner. They almost gave their more illustruous opponents even more to think about with almost an hour played when Emanuel Adou struck the outside of the post. Nevertheless, that close shave appeared to kick Dortmund back into gear, and they soon restored their three-goal buffer through substitute Julien Duranville, who showed composure to slot fellow replacement Yan Couto's through ball between Lübeck goalkeeper Carl Leonhard's legs. Despite the setback, Iloka almost completed his brace when his header from a corner hit the post, before the upright came to Dortmund's rescue once more to stop Nico Schlotterbeck from turning into his own net. That proved to be the final real opening of the match as Dortmund prevailed. They will now turn their attention the Bundesliga curtain-raiser against Eintracht Frankfurt, while Lübeck can be proud of their showing against one of Germany's biggest clubs.
Match stats
Dortmund have now won their last 19 first-round DFB Cup matches, last losing at this stage in 2005/06.
Anton and Duranville both scored their first-ever goals for the club.
Maximilian Beier came off the bench to make his Dortmund debut.
Dortmund are five-time DFB Cup winners, with their last triumph coming in 2020/21.
BVB have now scored four goals in each of their last two domestic matches after defeating Darmstadt 4-0 on the final day of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season.
Lübeck were playing in the DFB Cup for only the second time in their history, having lost to Bad Kreuznach on debut in the 1976/77 first round. However, they did eliminate Dortmund in the predecessor Tschammer-Pokal in 1938 (2-1).
DFB Pokal First round First round Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
Full-time: Lübeck 1-4 BVB
Dortmund are safely through to the second round of the DFB Cup after a largely one-sided game in Hamburg. Goals from debutant Anton as well as Can (from the penalty spot), Brandt and Duranville made it a pleasant competitive start to coach Nuri Şahin's BVB reign.
After a frenetic period in which Lübeck might have come within a goal of BVB, Nuri Şahin's side have now taken the sting out of the home side and are on course for the second round.
62'
Couto shines
Duranville nets through the goalkeeper's legs for his maiden Dortmund goal but this one might just be all about BVB new boy Couto, who showed great pace and vision to pick out his goalscoring teammate. That should now see Borussia safely through.
The hosts did their best to frustrate Dortmund but Bundesliga class has shone through for Nuri Şahin's men, who netted via Anton, Can and Brandt to take a clear lead into the break at the Volksparkstadion.
Lübeck continue to work their socks off here as they look to keep Borussia at bay. The fourth-tier side are sticking to their defensive task, despite being behind on the scoreboard.
16'
BVB seek inspiration
Coach Şahin has plenty if ponder here as, although his team is leading, they have struggled to create much up top.
13'
Kliti menacing
Kliti is looking very lively for Lübeck and the attacker's latest surge forward is eventually smothered by Dortmund's defence.
9'
Anton to BVB's rescue
Ryerson's back pass almost puts BVB in trouble with Kliti looking to take advantage. Anton is there to clear the danger, however.
7'
Visitors dominating
It's been all Dortmund since the goal yet the Bundesliga side are having to work hard for their second here, with the hosts keeping men behind the ball.
3'
What a start!
The Nuri Şahin era is up and running as two of the coach's new signings, Groß and Anton combine to put BVB ahead, the former's corner being converted by the ex-Stuttgart man at the far post.
This first round DFB Cup tie is underway in Hamburg.
More on those teams
It's competitive debut time for new BVB signings Waldemar Anton and Pascal Groß while fellow new arrivals Yann Couto and Maximilian Beier are among the subs. Nuri Şahin - recently promoted to head coach - opts for Karim Adeyemi in attack, with Julian Brandt, Marcel Sabitzer and Jamie Gittens in support. Recently signed from Stuttgart, Serhou Guirassy is out with a knee ligament complaint.
Dortmund are taking part in this competition for a 64th time. The Black and Yellows have lifted the trophy five times, with only Bayern Munich (20) and Werder Bremen (six) winning it on more occasions.
Lübeck are four games into their season already and they enjoyed a first win of 2024/25 with a 3-1 victory against Oldenburg last weekend.
1:33
Volksparkstadion all set
Hamburg's amazing stadium is set to host today's DFB Cup clash, with a cracking atmosphere guaranteed at the Volksparkstadion.
1:00
Watch: Pascal Groß joins childhood club!
Borussia Dortmund's new midfielder was a fan of Die Schwarzgelben as a boy - watch as he explains his reasoning for joining.
Lübeck: Ones to watch
Following the departure of some key players, last season's fourth-highest top goalscorer Jonathan Stöver must shoulder a higher proportion of the goalscoring burden. He seems to be coping with the pressure, though, already scoring twice in four games so far this term. Left-back Valdemar Sadrifar also possesses attacking threat, scoring six times and providing 10 assists in 2023/24, while goalkeeper Carl Leonhard will be tasked with keeping out BVB at the other end.
Early BVB team news
Nuri Şahin has close to a full squad available to him, so we could see maiden Dortmund appearances for Maximilian Beier, Yan Couto, Waldemar Anton and Pascal Groß. However, Serhou Guirassy is still struggling with an knee injury and is not expected to return before the end of the September.
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."
This is only the second time that Lübeck have featured in the DFB Cup, with their first campaign in the 1976/77 season. The side from just outside Hamburg are playing again in the fourth tier after narrowly missing out on promotion with a fourth-place finish last season. This is also the first competitive meeting between the two sides.
Dortmund have won all of their last 18 first round DFB Cup matches. They've also won 21 out of 23 matches against lower league opposition since the foundation of the Bundesliga.
From foe to friend
Last season's DFB Cup exit for Dortmund was caused by Stuttgart and Serhou Guirassy. This season the striker will be playing for BVB, although he's unlikely to feature in this match with an injury expected to keep him out until September.
1:02
Watch: Beier "We want to win titles every season!"
Borussia Dortmund's new signing Maximilian Beier has spoken about his hopes and ambitions after moving from Hoffenheim.
All change at Dortmund
Not only do BVB have a new head coach in Nuri Şahin, but there have been numerous changes in the playing staff. Club legends Marco Reus and Mats Hummels have departed, while Niclas Füllkrug has left for West Ham. Key loanees Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen are also gone. Replacing them are Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton from Stuttgart, Pascal Groß from Brighton, Max Beier from Hoffenheim and Yan Couto from Manchester City.
BVB finished their pre-season with victory over Premier League and Champions League opposition, and will be looking to build upon an impressive performance.
Dortmund's season starts here
DFB Cup winners in 2021, Dortmund are starting their pursuit of a sixth title away in northern Germany. Having exited the tournament at the last 16 stage in 2023/24, BVB went all the way to the final of the Champions League where they fell 2-0 to Real Madrid, while they also finished fifth in the Bundesliga. Since then, there has been plenty of change, but also a pre-season campaign with three wins, two draws and a defeat.
Welcome!
The road to Berlin 2025 starts here for five-time DFB Cup winners Borussia Dortmund as they begin life under Nuri Şahin up against Phönix Lübeck of the fourth-tier Regionalliga Nord on Saturday.
