The second round of the DFB-Pokal unfolded excitingly as Borussia Dortmund narrowly secured victory over fellow Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Meanwhile, other matches featured penalties to determine winners, and second-division SC Paderborn triumphed over 2022 finalists SC Freiburg with a 3-1 win. Bayer 04 Leverkusen also advanced to the round of 16, defeating third-tier SV Sandhausen 5-2.
In an intense clash, Hoffenheim came close to an early lead in the second minute, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel making a crucial save to deny their attempt. Marco Reus nearly found the target from a corner kick shortly after. However, Borussia Dortmund ultimately broke the deadlock, with Reus netting a goal in the 43rd minute, assisted by Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Despite their efforts, Hoffenheim could not level the score, and Borussia Dortmund advanced to the next round with a hard-fought win.
Magdeburg Triumphs in Penalty Shootout
FC Magdeburg quickly took the lead in their match at the Holstein-Stadion, with Herbert Bockhorn scoring an early goal in the third minute after an assist from Connor Krempicki. Magdeburg extended their lead to 2-0 in the 11th minute, courtesy of Krempicki.
Kiel mounted a comeback in the second half, reducing the deficit through a goal by Daniel Heber, albeit an own plan, in the 61st minute. Seven minutes later, Kiel drew level with another own goal, this time by Cristiano Piccini. The match went to extra time, with Xavier Amaechi giving Magdeburg a 3-2 lead in the 93rd minute. Benedikt Pichler’s late equalizer ensured a 2-2 scoreline after 120 minutes of play. The match ultimately headed to a penalty shootout, where Magdeburg emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline, securing their spot in the round of 16.
Paderborn Triumphs Over Freiburg
The night began with Vincenzo Grifo providing the first opportunity for SC Freiburg, but his cross into the box was cleared. Paderborn took the lead minutes later, as Florent Muslija found Filip Bilbija, who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. Muslija extended Paderborn’s lead with a perfectly placed free-kick into the top corner in the 33rd minute.
SC Freiburg attempted to mount a comeback, with Maximilian Eggestein scoring a decisive goal in the 69th minute. However, it wasn’t enough, as Paderborn maintained control of the match and secured a 3-1 victory, eliminating the 2022 finalists from the competition.
Leverkusen Gets the Job Done
In a quick-paced match, Bayer 04 Leverkusen nearly took the lead 40 seconds after kick-off. They eventually went ahead in the 20th minute after a penalty was awarded due to a foul on Amine Adli. Exequiel Palacios successfully converted the penalty.
Sandhausen responded with an equalizer in the 50th minute, but Leverkusen quickly regained the lead thanks to Jonathan Tah’s goal in the 54th minute. Sandhausen managed to equalize again with a header by Yassin Ben Balla in the 57th minute. In the closing minutes, Leverkusen pulled away with three unanswered goals from Adam Hlozek and Adli to secure a 5-2 win, securing their spot in the next round.
The DFB-Pokal provided fans with thrilling action, with Borussia Dortmund, Magdeburg, Paderborn, and Bayer Leverkusen advancing to the round of 16 in a night filled with excitement and memorable moments.
