- FC Kaiserslautern could relive their DFB-Pokal magic after a strong performance against FC Ingolstadt. Despite playing with a man less for over 40 minutes, the second-division team managed a 2:1 (2:0) victory against the 3rd division hosts from Bavaria, thanks to their overall dominance.
- Despite facing a larger opponent, Kaiserlautern managed to emerge victorious against Ingolstadt.
The "Red Devils", who lost to Bayer Leverkusen in the final in May, also earned €418,906 in prize money for advancing to the second round. Ingolstadt, playing at home, lacked energy for too long, showing true passion only in the final stages.
Mause finds the net against his old team
Interestingly, Jannik Mause was the standout player. The striker scored twice (3rd minute, 35th) against his former team, virtually carrying the team on his shoulders in front of an audience of 11,665 spectators. Kaiserslautern's defense held strong even after Jan Gyamerah was sent off (49th), but Ingolstadt's late goal by Ryan Malone (88th) wasn't enough.
Malone adds suspense
Initially, Pascal Testroet had a golden opportunity to give Ingolstadt the lead, but the surprised striker missed from close range. Then, Mause demonstrated why Kaiserslautern signed him in the summer, netting twice against his old team in the first half. Kaiserslautern could have been further ahead, but goalkeeper Simon Simoni made two impressive saves (17th, 28th).
Gyamerah's dismissal ignited Ingolstadt's comeback, but goalkeeper Julian Krahl was impenetrable, thanks to saves from David Kopacz (59th) and Marcel Costly (69th). Malone momentarily gave hope of extra time to Ingolstadt.
The DFB Cup victory by FC Kaiserslautern against FC Ingolstadt earned them a spot in the next round of the tournament. Recalling their past success in the DFB Cup, FC Kaiserslautern aims to continue their winning streak in the upcoming matches.
