Kiel halts disaster activation, Borussia Dortmund possesses sufficient aluminum luggage bags.
The DFB Cup is yet to witness its first major upheaval. Holstein Kiel seems poised to become the first prominent casualty, but they miraculously advance to the next round at the last minute. Borussia Dortmund is kept at bay by the crossbar and manages to complete its obligatory task in an underwhelming manner.
- FC Phoenix Lübeck - Borussia Dortmund 1:4 (0:3)
Borussia Dortmund successfully navigates the initial hurdle: Nuri Sahin celebrates a mediocre victory in his debut as a coach. In the first round of the DFB Cup, the BVB overcame fourth-tier team 1. FC Phoenix Lübeck 4-1 (3-0) in Hamburg, despite a performance lacking finesse.
New recruit Waldemar Anton (3'), Emre Can (31' penalty), and Julian Brandt (45+2') found the back of the net in the first half at the nearly full Volkspark, where Lübeck was playing its "centennial match". Julien Duranville (62') reestablished the three-goal advantage after Obina Iloka (55') had reduced the deficit for Lübeck.
The evaluation of Borussia Dortmund's form was limited against the tenacious fourth-tier team. A week prior to the challenging Bundesliga opener against Eintracht Frankfurt the following Saturday (6:30 PM/Sky), the BVB displayed some lapses in concentration during possession for their new manager on the sidelines.
Many Dortmund fans transformed the game into an unconventional "home match" for the BVB, as they witnessed their high-pressing opponent causing problems for the initially lethargic BVB and even creating a few good opportunities. However, Can's penalty and Brandt's fine finish in the first-half stoppage time tested Lübeck's defensive weaknesses.
Sahin, who won the title with Borussia Dortmund as a player and replaced Edin Terzic this summer at the young age of 35, made a substitution at halftime despite a commanding lead. Backup goalkeeper Alexander Meyer came on for the slightly injured Gregor Kobel (back).
Meyer was required to make a save almost immediately - as Brandt lost possession in midfield, allowing Iloka to score from just outside the box. Sahin then brought on youngster Yan Couto for his Bundesliga debut in the BVB's back three, among others.
The next opportunity fell to the courageous home side in the away ground. Emanuel Adou hit the post after an hour, and later Adou and two other Norddeutschen hit the post and crossbar. Duranville, the young BVB prodigy, restored the three-goal lead with a clever finish. There was also excitement among the BVB fans in the 68th minute when former Hoffenheim and national team player Beier made his debut in the black and yellow jersey.
Alemannia Aachen - Holstein Kiel 2:3 (1:1)
Promoted Holstein Kiel advanced to the second round with a hard-fought victory. Coach Marcel Rapp's team won a tense first-round match against determined third-tier sides Alemannia Aachen 3-2 (1:1) by coming from behind, thanks to two goals from substitute defender Lasse Rosenboom, who became the hero of the day. With this hard-earned victory, the Schleswig-Holsteiners head into their inaugural Bundesliga season with momentum.
Thanks to the goals from Shuto Machino (16.) and Rosenboom (82./90.+1), Holstein secured their spot in the next round. Rosenboom had only been brought on in the 79th minute. For Aachen, goals were scored by captain Mika Hanraths (28.) and Charlison Benschop (60.). Holstein's next game is away at TSG Hoffenheim on the following Saturday (15:30 CET/Sky). This is the first time a team from the northernmost state is playing in the top tier.
The home side at the Tivoli performed well from the beginning. However, they momentarily lost focus, enabling Holstein to score. After a cross from Finn Porath, Machino headed in unopposed. After that, Aachen was at least level. Anton Heinz delivered a precise corner, Hanraths received a touch - and equalized. Just before halftime, Benschop (39.) just missed for Aachen, and Heinz (44.) forced Holstein goalkeeper Timon Weiner into a save.
After the break, both teams fought for control, with Aachen continuing to create opportunities and convert them effectively. Benschop's goal to make it 2-1 was the result of him striking the ball off his standing leg, making it impossible to save for Weiner. Holstein then pushed forward, with captain Lewis Holtby (62.) and Benedikt Pichler (63.) both coming close. Rosenboom's goal three minutes after his introduction put Holstein on track for a late comeback, and he played a part in the final act.
Arminia Bielefeld - Hannover 96 2:0 (2:0)
Second-division side Hannover 96 stumbled at the first hurdle once again. The 1992 cup champions lost 0:2 (0:2) to third-division side Arminia Bielefeld following a poor start and were eliminated from the competition at the first round, just like last year.
Bielefeld's new signing Andre Becker (13.) gave the Arminia an early lead, which was extended by Louis Oppie (22.) with a remarkable goal shortly after. While Bielefeld celebrated their third win in three competitive matches this season, Hannover suffered their first defeat.
Hannover's coach Stefan Leitl's squad played a significant role in their subpar beginning. Captain Marcel Halstenberg committed an error, which allowed Becker to net the initial goal. Bielefeld commanded the match, and Oppie's score was thoroughly justified. In response, Leitl made a double substitution in the 37th minute. Despite boosting their possession, Hannover found it challenging to penetrate Bielefeld's well-structured defense. The second-round draw is set for September 1, with the matches scheduled for October 29 and 30.
After their miraculous advance, Holstein Kiel fans are eagerly anticipating their debut in the Bundesliga. Despite being kept at bay by Borussia Dortmund, Soccer team Holstein Kiel managed to secure a spot in the next round of the DFB Cup.
In the first round of the DFB Cup, Borussia Monchengladbach showcased a mediocre performance against fourth-tier team TSV Buchhorst 1935, winning 4-0 (3-0). Despite the scoreline, Gladbach's performance lacked finesse, making them vulnerable as they prepare for the Bundesliga opener against Borussia Dortmund.
