Kickers Offenbach, Karlsruher SC Reach DFB-Pokal Second Round
Kickers Offenbach, Karlsruher SC Advance, Regionalliga Clubs Impress
Kickers Triumph Over Bundesligist Hertha BSC
Kickers Offenbach pulled off the biggest surprise in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, defeating Bundesliga club Hertha BSC on penalties. The Regionalliga Südwest side held Hertha to a 2-2 draw in regulation time before winning the shootout 5-4. OFC goalkeeper David Richter saved two penalties in the shootout, including the decisive attempt from Hertha captain Marvin Plattenhardt.
Karlsruher SC, another Regionalliga club, also advanced to the second round with a 2-0 victory over 3. Liga club Viktoria Köln. The KSC goals came from Malik Batmaz and Fabio Kaufmann.
Other Notable Results
Other notable results from the first round of the DFB-Pokal include:
- Borussia Dortmund defeated 1860 Munich 3-1
- FC Bayern Munich defeated Viktoria Berlin 5-0
- RB Leipzig defeated Teutonia Ottensen 8-0
- VfL Bochum defeated SV Elversberg 1-0
- FC St. Pauli defeated FC Ingolstadt 04 1-0
Regionalliga Clubs Impress
The performance of Kickers Offenbach and Karlsruher SC in the first round of the DFB-Pokal highlights the strength of the Regionalliga. Both clubs are among the favorites to win promotion to the 3. Liga this season.
The DFB-Pokal is a single-elimination tournament open to all clubs in Germany. The winner of the tournament qualifies for the UEFA Europa League.
