News (engl.)

Sunday evening’s first-round ties in the DFB-Pokal saw all three favourites book their place in the next round. FC Augsburg secured a 2-0 win away to Hallescher FC, with both goals coming from substitutes. Holstein Kiel saw off a spirited Homburg side by the same scoreline, while SV Elversberg edged past SSV Ulm 1-0 thanks to a second-half strike from the bench.

Augsburg’s substitutes make the difference

Hallescher FC made a bright start and had the best early chance when Malek Fakhro was denied by a sharp save from Finn Dahmen (11’). Augsburg then took control of possession, but lacked precision in the final third, and the teams went into the break goalless despite the visitors’ growing dominance.

The deadlock was broken shortly after half time, when substitute Steve Mounié rose to head in from close range after a low cross was recycled at the byline (52’). Halle responded with energy but couldn’t find a way through. Another sub sealed the result – Samuel Essende finished calmly after a smart run and pass from Elias Saad (79’), sending Augsburg into the next round.

Bernhardsson seals it at the death for Kiel

Holstein Kiel controlled possession in the opening half at the Waldstadion, while hosts Homburg sat deep and focused on their defensive shape. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Jonas Therkelsen beat his marker on the left and crossed low for John Tolkin, who tucked home the opener. Kiel pushed for a second, but Michael Gelt produced several saves to keep his side in the game.

The visitors resumed on the front foot after the restart but couldn’t extend their lead, even after several substitutions on both sides. Kiel were forced into a change in goal after Timon Weiner went off following a knock to the head. Phil Harres had another good chance (77’), but Gelt once again came out on top. The final word went to Alexander Bernhardsson, who struck deep into stoppage time (90’+11) to secure Kiel’s place in the next round.

Keidel sends Elversberg through

The opening phase in Ulm’s Donaustadion was largely contested in midfield, but SV Elversberg gradually began to create chances. Bambasé Conté missed just wide (24’) and Tom Zimmerschied was denied by Ulm keeper Christian Ortag (41’) as the away side edged the first half. The game remained goalless at the break.

Lucas Röser briefly thought he had given Ulm the lead on the hour mark, but the goal was ruled out for offside (60’). At the other end, Lukas Petkov fired over when unmarked. Elversberg’s pressure paid off in the 73rd minute: Petkov’s cross was met by Zimmerschied, whose blocked shot fell to substitute Felix Keidel – the forward made no mistake from the left to score the winner. Ulm fought hard in the closing stages, but couldn’t find a reply.