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Bayer Leverkusen managed to avoid an early cup exit, coming from two goals down to beat strong second-division side 1. FC Nürnberg 5-2 at the BayArena. Fellow Bundesliga side Bayern München were also able to knock out their second-division opponents, beating 1. FC Magdeburg 6-1 at the Allianz Arena. 1. FC Kaiserslautern came out on top in their clash with fellow second-division side and former DFB-Pokal winners Hannover 96 in a 2-0 victory, whilst second-tier Holsten Kiel beat TSG Hoffenheim 4-3 on penalties after the 1-1 full-time score remained unchanged after extra time.

Leverkusen come alive late on

Leverkusen went into their game against their ambitious second-division opponents as clear favourites. They started the game well, creating plenty of good chances, but it was the away side who managed to find the back of the net. Nürnberg kept the match wide open after their surprise opening goal, even extending their lead following a textbook counterattack by Haugen. The Werkself, who last won the DFB-Pokal in 2024, took a moment to regroup, before stepping up a gear just before the half-time whistle and pulling one back through Tapsoba, who powered a corner over the line with his shoulder.

Leverkusen made three changes at half time and continued to build on their momentum from the end of the first 45 minutes. Tapsoba was once again on the receiving end of a corner, netting a rebounded equaliser after his initial header was saved by FCN keeper Jan Reichert. The hosts were now pushing to take the lead. Aleix Garcia missed a clear-cut chance (59’), but Leverkusen’s third goal would only be a matter of time. Referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot after Patrik Schick was fouled by Alexios Kalogeropoulos. Schick stepped up to convert the penalty himself, before Hofmann and Vazquez sealed the victory for the Werkself.

Magdeburg put up a fight against the record champions

Having already had plenty of good chances, Michael Olise sent Bayern München into an unsurprising early lead by polishing off a textbook counterattack. But their opponents from Saxony-Anhalt, who, 26 years ago, had knocked FC Bayern out of the DFB-Pokal on penalties in what was a legendary second-round game, didn’t give up and found an equaliser just five minutes later after a long-range shot from Zukowski was deflected by Hiroki Ito. As expected, however, Bayern were still in control of the game, and it didn’t take them long to find a response via a goal from Saibari. Magdeburg continued to put up a fight, though, creating some dangerous chances to keep the Munich side on their toes. Magdeburg’s Baris Atik even hit the post in added time at the end of the first half (45’+1).

Olise then calmly converted a penalty for Bayern after a foul by Pierre Nadjombe forced the referee to point to the spot. Magdeburg’s resilience was now wearing thin, and the record cup-winners were able to add a further three goals to their tally before the end of the match. Davies, Brown and Daiber all added their names to the scoresheet as Bayern comfortably advanced to the round of 16.

Hannover fail to capitalise on their chances

In a change from their weak performances in the second division, Hannover came out all guns blazing against Kaiserslautern, dominating the first half and creating plenty of opportunities to score. A low driven shot from Lukovic meant that the 1992 DFB-Pokal winners went into half time trailing 1-0, though. Kaiserslautern also had reason to thank goalkeeper Julian Krahl, who was able to parry away a run of Hannover chances.

Hannover continued to push for a goal at points in the second half but still struggled to convert their chances. FCK defended their lead with a mixture of luck and skill, even managing to score a second goal through Prtajin shortly before the final whistle.

Rothenhagen becomes Kiel’s cup hero

Hoffenheim took an early lead thanks to a powerful Hlozek shot from 12 metres out, before Tim Lemperle added a second (22’) and it looked as though TSG already had one foot in the round of 16. Unfortunately for Hoffenheim, their second goal didn’t count after it was ruled out for offside. Almost immediately afterwards, Kapralik equalised with a powerful strike following a burst of pace (23'). Hoffenheim then lost their rhythm and were even fortunate that Phil Harres, breaking clear on a solo run just before half-time, was denied by Hoffenheim’s cup keeper Luca Philipp (45’+1).

The second half looked as though it would get off to a horror start for Kiel after goalkeeper Lio Rothenhagen played the ball straight into the feet of Hoffenheim substitute Fisnik Asllani. Luckily, he was able to correct his mistake, making a spectacular save to deny the resulting shot (50’). The Bundesliga side continued to work towards retaking their lead, but it was Kiel who had a huge chance to win the game when Kasper Davidsen’s powerful header was saved by Philipp (81').

In extra time, the Bundesliga side came closer to scoring than the Storks. Again, though, it was Kiel who almost went in front after Giorgi Kvilitaia sent his header just over the crossbar. Neither side gave up any chances in the second half of extra time, meaning the game would be decided by penalties. Kiel’s Kvilitaia hit the post to kick things off, before – following two successful penalties for both teams – Hoffenheim’s Leon Avdullahu sent his shot over the bar. Rots ultimately lost his nerve during the decisive penalty, with a save from Rothenhagen sending Kiel through to the next round.