In the second round (Round of 32) of the DFB-Pokal, Borussia Dortmund faced Eintracht Frankfurt in an all-Bundesliga clash. In the end, Dortmund converted all their penalties to claim a 4–2 shootout victory and advance to the Round of 16.
The match began with a familiar storyline as former Dortmund player Mario Götze set up another ex-teammate, Ansgar Knauff, to give Frankfurt an early lead in the 7th minute.
In the second half, Julian Brandt equalised for Dortmund in the 48th minute with a close-range finish. Both sides failed to score again in regular and extra time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
In the decisive shootout, Frankfurt’s Ritsu Dōan missed his shot, and Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Sebi’s attempt. Dortmund converted all four of their spot kicks to seal the 4–2 win.
Notably, this marks the fourth time in the 21st century that Dortmund have eliminated Frankfurt from the DFB-Pokal, maintaining a perfect record against them in the competition.
Gladbach Triumph 3–1 at Home, Ending Eight-Game Winless Streak
In another fixture, Borussia Mönchengladbach finally broke their winless run with a 3–1 home victory over 2 2-Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC, ending a frustrating streak of eight competitive matches without a win.
As the bottom-placed team in the Bundesliga and without a victory before this match, the win was crucial for Gladbach. It also marked the first victory under new head coach Eugen Polanski, giving the club a morale boost in their battle to avoid relegation.
The match started perfectly for the hosts when Japanese forward Shuto Machino opened the scoring in the 3rd minute.
Nico Elvedi doubled the lead in the 51st minute, and although the visitors pulled one back in the 59th minute, striker Filip Tábaković sealed the win shortly after with Gladbach’s third goal.
After the match, Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus said, “This was an absolutely vital win, it gives us the motivation to keep pushing forward.”
Leipzig Cruise Past Cottbus for Third Straight Win
RB Leipzig also advanced to the Round of 16 after a commanding 4–1 away victory over 3. Liga side Energie Cottbus is extending its winning streak across all competitions to three matches.
Leipzig registered 17 shots with eight on target, scoring 4 times in total. In contrast, Cottbus managed 16 attempts but rarely threatened Leipzig’s goal.
Midfielder Christoph Baumgartner was the standout performer of the night, scoring twice from three shots on target. The 20-year-old talent Benjamin Banzuzi also impressed, netting once, providing two key passes, and contributing five clearances along with three tackles, excelling on both ends of the pitch.
Elsewhere, in other all-Bundesliga matchups, Hamburger SV edged Heidenheim 1–0, and St. Pauli prevailed 8–7 on penalties against Hoffenheim.
Meanwhile, Wolfsburg and Augsburg suffered shock defeats, both losing 0–1 to 2. Bundesliga clubs Holstein Kiel and Bochum, respectively, bowed out of the tournament in the Round of 32.
